Howard Walker, Staff Reporter 
STEPHENSON AND BOYD
THE KINGSTON and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA), in less than five months, has been able to overturn a $1.5 million deficit and is in a position to rent the National Stadium to host the Western Union-sponsored Jackie Bell Knockout competition says Stewart Stephenson, president of that sporting body.
Stephenson, who was elected in August 2004, told The Gleaner, "We inherited a debt of $1.5 million; these were bills owing. We have brought that down to a point where we are comfortably able to take risks in terms of hosting these games." Stephenson continued, "We are down to $100,000 in debt and as every good promoter does we are now taking the risks. We have done our numbers and we think we can come out and garner some funds for the association."
FINAL FEBRUARY 9
The Western Union Jackie Bell Knockout semi-finals will be played on Sunday, January 30, and the final is set for Saturday, February 9, at the National Stadium. The Western Union Jackie Bell Knockout competition was sponsored to the tune of $1.7 million, and out of 39 teams, it is now down to the final four.
Defending champions Tivoli Gardens will tackle Constant Spring, while Waterhouse take on Arnett Gardens in the semis.
"These teams are good teams, and I think that doubleheader should have strong spectator appeal ... we should get good crowd," he said.
The KSAFA president's hopes were bolstered by former national player, the mercurial Walter Boyd, who should be a major drawing card when he turns out for his new club, Constant Spring.
BOYD THE DRAWING CARD
"The stadium is still expensive, but we feel that the drawing card can be Walter Boyd. He is an excellent drawing card to make the event profitable," said the former ambassador to Cuba.
Meanwhile, Rudolph Speid,KSAFA treasurer, confirmed his organisation was in a position to rent the facility which is normally thought to be out of the reach of the ordinary sporting bodies.
It normally costs $750,000 to rent the Stadium, but according to the treasurer, an amicable agreement was reached and both parties are satisfied.
"It will be the first for a while that the Jackie Bell will be returning to the stadium. We think this is the showpiece event, the best competition in Jamaica," said Speid.
Entrance fees to the bleachers and grandstand will be $300 and $600 respectively, but persons with Western Union VIP passes will get a $100 discount.
