“Home of the UAAP” Arena To Rise in Pasig City by 2027

August 20, 2024 Philippines Sports

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has announced plans for its new permanent home. Dubbed the “Home of the UAAP,” this state-of-the-art arena in Pasig City is slated to open in time for Season 90 in 2027. It is slated to begin construction in the last quarter of 2025 and is set to become a central hub for collegiate and high school sports.

The league partnered with Akari Lighting and Technology Corp. in order to create this venue which will stage indoor sporting games.

Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag Jr., UAAP’s executive director, described the arena as a significant milestone for the league.

“’The Home of the UAAP’ is not just for the league itself. It is for the student-athletes who represent the heart and soul of the UAAP. This is their home—a place where they can compete, grow, and thrive,” Saguisag was quoted as saying in a report published by ABS-CBN News.

The new venue aims to address the league’s previous challenges with instability, having previously operated out of different host campuses or a small headquarters in Manila.

“Una, it was born out of necessity, out of need. Pero listening to all the people din deep inside, each one of us, we’re looking for a home eh. So aside from being a need, you want to actually realize the dream of having your own home,” said Saguisag.

The arena will feature a seating capacity of around 6,000, with flexible arrangements to accommodate up to 7,000. This size was chosen to balance affordability and practicality, avoiding the high costs and challenges of maintaining a larger venue. Major events will still be held at larger arenas like the Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.

The venue will host indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton, but will not include swimming facilities. It will also offer a range of amenities, including dining options similar to those found in malls. “Meron ding in-house arena innovations. Watching the UAAP is an experience, so we will have coffee, dining, and what we have in the malls. So it’s interactive and immersive not only for the student-athletes but for all,” Saguisag noted.

The 1.8-hectare project is tentatively located along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Pasig City. Saguisag acknowledged the real estate challenges in Metro Manila but views the location as a neutral ground that will benefit the league and its fans. He added that transportation concerns are being addressed, with hopes for new infrastructure in the future.

The UAAP will work closely with ASYA Design Partner throughout the construction process, ensuring that the design meets their specific needs. “We have the signing today para maka-start na. The next step will be coming up with a schematic design. The UAAP will be involved with the planning and will be constantly consulted,” said the UAAP official.

Other sports organizations, including the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) are invited to use the facility.

Akari CEO Christopher Tiu affirmed, “The venue will be available for other sports organizations. Even if the venue will be known as the home of the UAAP, the venue will also be open to be used by other sports organizations.”