UAAP is on its way home, as the groundbreaking for the league's very own venue commenced on Friday in Pasig.
Together with prime mover Akari, the 1.8-hectare site along Amang Rodriguez Ave. will be developed as the UAAP's headquarters and venue for indoor sports.
Now with an expanded 8,074 seating capacity, the currently unnamed arena will also include two practice courts and a jogging oval for player development.
“In a couple of years, this will serve as a breeding ground and incubation center for future athletes who will bring pride to their schools and their country,” said Akari Chief Executive Officer Christopher Tiu.
The venue is a collaborative architectural venture among Athletica Asia, ASYA Design, Redviper Ventures, and R.S. Caparros Associates & Co., and construction is expected to be completed by 2027.
“There’s a lot of sports [like] volleyball high school, basketball high school, taekwondo, and other events that this place can also accommodate,” said Dr. Otie Camangian, UAAP Board of Managing Directors member of National U, which will be the host school by the arena's projected opening.
A home for all
Despite being primarily linked to the UAAP, which will of course have priority use, the venue will also be open to other leagues such as the PBA, PVL, and NCAA, among others.
“UAAP is our anchor tenant. But our goal for the complex is to make a true multi-purpose center,” said Akari Project Leader Timothy Tan.
Other events such as concerts, entertainment shows, school graduations, and corporate functions may also take place in the structure with an infinity-shaped design.
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