THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is one step closer from having its own home.
Led by owner and Akari Lighting and Technology Corporation CEO Christopher Tiu and top UAAP officials, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Home of the UAAP before the weekend on a 1.8-hectare site along Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Barangay Ugong in Pasig City.
The 8,000-seat state-of-the-art arena will serve as the main venue of all indoor events of the 18 sports in the calendar of the Philippines’ premier collegiate league and will also house its office and headquarters.
‘Three years ago, when we first set foot here, it was a massive parcel of land with very tall grass, which stretched out as far as our eyes could see,’ Tiu said. ‘Honestly, during that time, we still didn’t have to think of this idea.’
‘Little did we realize that one day it would turn into a field of dreams for thousands of student-athletes.,’ he added. ‘Cement and steel will build this structure, but it is the dream and hope of every athlete that will complete this and bring it to life. Together, let us begin building and soon, they will all come.’
The official start of the construction marked the third of its eight-checkpoint timeline of the project which had already completed its presentation and ground zero.
‘Today marks a historic milestone for the UAAP as we break ground on the Home of the UAAP. On behalf of all eight member schools, we are deeply grateful to our partner Akari for making this vision a reality,’ said Fr. Rodel Casancio, OP, of UST and UAAP Season 88 president.
Featuring an infinity-shaped design to symbolize the eight UAAP member schools and its core values, the complex will also feature a variety of well curated commercial spaces-making the Home of the UAAP not only a sporting venue but an entertainment destination for Filipinos.
Situated at the top most floor of the arena-designed in collaboration with local partners from Athletica Asia, ASYA Design, RS Caparros Associates and Co. and Redviper Ventures-will be a smaller arena which will host majority of the other indoor sports.
This will allow the league to hold simultaneous events to ease its burden from the demands of the UAAP schedule.
The Home of the UAAP, however, will not be exclusive to the league and will be open for other professional or collegiate leagues provided there will be no schedule conflicts.