IF plans push through, the University of the Philippines gym will have a piece of the historic Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Following the replacement of the Big Dome’s old flooring on Saturday prior to the UAAP men’s basketball game between Far Eastern University and Ateneo, a source told Spin.ph the Big Dome's old hardwood is likely to be donated to the Diliman-based school.
The flooring is reportedly being kept within the premises of the world-renowned playing venue first built in 1960. But an Araneta Coliseum employee disclosed the hardwood may soon be transferred to UP if the planned donation pushes through.
State U has an ageing sports facility at the College of Human Kinetics Gym. And although a new gymnasium had been constructed, the playing venue was reportedly damaged recently.
The same employee said the installation of a new flooring at the Big Dome had been overdue, especially after the old hardwood was once seen on national television kept together by white tape during one PBA game.