Concert and entertainment promoters around the Island are hoping to meet with Government soon to discuss the possibility of opening a new covered venue.

Promoter David (Merts) Richardson said that he would be meeting with officials "very soon" to talk about the advantages of having an indoor venue that will cater for big-name acts from overseas.

However both the Minister of Youth, Sport and Recreation Dennis Lister and director of Community and Cultural Affairs Grace Rawlins said they were unaware of any meeting.

Mr. Lister did confirm that while the current renovations to National Stadium include covering a portion of the seats, it will not shield an event from inclement weather.

"Yes there will be covered seating in the grandstand however the event is still susceptible to the type of torrential downpours we have experienced this week," he said.

He also indicated that anything set up on the field such as a stage would still be subject to the weather.

Mr. Lister indicated that a gymnasium spacious enough to house various events at the National Stadium is in the cards but that there is no time frame on the project. He also noted that priority for the venue would be afforded to sporting events.

An investigation by The Royal Gazette revealed that Bermuda lags far behind similar countries in terms of its entertainment facilities.

The Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Barbados all boast enclosed entertainment venues which can accommodate some of the most sought-after international artists and avoid problems caused by inclement weather.

The call by local concert promoters and members of the public for an indoor entertainment facility were prompted by the rained out Redman/Method Man concert and extremely wet Patti Labelle show over the Cup Match weekend.

Apart from Number One shed which can accommodate between 3,000 and 4,000 people and Club Azure which can accommodate 1,000 people, there are few enclosed venues for events according to promoter Andrew Phillips of Dread and Baha.

He noted that those two facilities do not permit the highest quality events as they have bad acoustics. And Number One shed is only available during the winter months when the cruise ships are not berthed in Hamilton.

In Barbados, which boasts a population of 275,000, the sports facility is already equipped with a gymnasium which serves as the largest venue used for entertainment events.

The Wildey Gymnasium at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex can hold around 5,000 people and is used for many of the country's annual "Crop-over" events.

Much smaller Cayman Islands with a population of around 35,000 has four options for partially enclosed entertainment events including a performing arts centre, a sports complex, a multi-purpose facility and a venue for church functions which is currently being built. All the facilities offer some coverage from the rain.

A Cayman Island source told The Royal Gazette that the facility which would accommodate the kinds of big events we have seen recently and completely shield patrons and entertainers from the weather is the Lion's Centre. The complex offers around 1,000 seats but can accommodate more people if they stand.

Hotelier Andrew Reid said that in Jamaica, which is five times larger than the Bermuda and has over 2 million residents, events would be moved to one of the large hotel ballrooms during the rainy season or for some of the bigger stars.

For instance, Luther Vandross has performed at the Renaissance Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios.

However events are usually held outdoors with protection from the rain such as a tent only being provided for those on stage.

The source also said that even if an indoor facility was built, few people would pay to rent it when an event can be hosted outdoors and be just as comfortable during the dry season.

During the months of October, November and December there might be a Jazz Festival or similar events which would be held indoors, the source explained.