San Juan to Employ Youth Workforce for 2026 World Baseball Classic

The Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, will invest $204,884 to employ 166 young residents in operational roles during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The initiative, channeled through the Department of Labor Development and its Labor Connection program, aims to provide practical function experience in a major international sporting event.

Mayor Romero Lugo Highlights Economic Opportunity

Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo emphasized the program’s potential to connect young talent with professional development opportunities. “In San Juan we continue to create real opportunities for our youth, connecting their talent with experiences that provide growth and vision for the future. Sports can also become a platform for economic and professional development,” he stated.

Diverse Roles for Young Participants

Participants will fill a variety of positions, including ushers, event coordinators, field support staff, sales assistants, public relations specialists, and sound and audiovisual technical assistants. The program is designed to benefit young people at different educational stages, from high school students to those entering the workforce.

Skills Development and Future Opportunities

Pablo Rovira, director of Labor Development, explained that the initiative extends beyond temporary employment. “We want them to acquire practical tools, develop professional responsibility and strengthen their skills for future opportunities,” he said.

Recruitment Event Details

A recruitment event will be held on Saturday, February 21, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Interested individuals can pre-register through the TurnosPR platform. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hiram Bithorn Stadium Renovations Underway

The World Baseball Classic will be hosted at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, which is currently undergoing renovations. As reported in February 2025, the stadium’s seating capacity is being increased to 25,000 from 18,000 as part of an $8.426 million project, in addition to approximately $40 million in prior renovations [2]. The renovations also include a waterproofed roof, new seats, a new paint job, and increased restroom capacity.

San Juan: A Hub for International Baseball

Hiram Bithorn Stadium has previously hosted the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, and 2013, including knockout round play in 2006 [2]. It also served as a secondary home for the Montreal Expos of Major League Baseball in 2003 and 2004 [2].