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The Home of the UAAP, also referred to as the UAAP Arena owned by Akari Lighting & Technology, is a proposed indoor arena located in Amang Rodriguez Ave., Bridgetowne, Pasig, Philippines. The arena, which will become a "central hub" for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines events, is projected to have a capacity of 6,000 and is planned to open in 2027, in time for UAAP Season 90.

History

There have been plans to construct a neutral and dedicated venue for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The collegiate league initially considered a structure similar to the University of Santo Tomas' Quadricentennial Pavilion but was scrapped due to it being too expensive to fund independently.

Negotiations for venue began in March 2023 between the UAAP and Akari Lighting & Technology Corp, with Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM of Adamson University, then-president of Season 85, leading the project. The concept was made by Asya Design and was unveiled later that year in May.

The proposed venue was unveiled on August 20, 2024, at the University of the Philippines Diliman and is given the temporary name of the "Home of the UAAP". Construction of the venue is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is set to open in time for UAAP Season 90 in 2027.

Architecture and design

Asya Design Partner is responsible for the concept design of the Home of the UAAP, with Albert Yu as its principal architect. The indoor arena covers a total space of 18,000 square meters (190,000 sq ft) and is located at Bridgetowne in Pasig.

The structure of the indoor arena is inspired from an infinity symbol or an eight when turned sideways, which is a reference to the UAAP's eight member schools.

It will have a projected seating capacity of 6,000, which according to UAAP Executive Director Rene Saguisag Jr., is the average attendance for UAAP games. It will accommodate indoor sports but will not have facilities for aquatic sports.

Tenants

As the name suggests, the Home of the UAAP will serve as the primary venue of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) for both the high school and collegiate level, although the league intends to use venues such as the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena for events drawing larger audiences. This includes rivalry games in men's basketball and women's basketball. The UAAP will also allow other leagues to rent the venue.

References

1. ^ Anzures, Rom (August 20, 2024). "What to expect from 'The Home of the UAAP'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
2. ^ Demigillo, Kiko (August 20, 2024). "Home of the UAAP: League unveils plans for landmark sports arena in Pasig". onesports.ph. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
3. "UAAP partners with Akari to build own stadium in Pasig". Spin.ph. August 20, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
4. Li, Matthew (August 20, 2024). "UAAP, Akari forge landmark partnership to build 'Home of the UAAP' in Pasig". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
5. "The UAAP Will Have Its Very Own Arena Soon - The Game". The Game. One Mega Group. August 20, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
6. Agcaoili, Lance (August 20, 2024). "State-of-the-art 'Home of the UAAP' set to rise in 2027". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
7. ^ Masoy, Niel Victor C. (August 20, 2024). "UAAP, Akari to build 'Home of the UAAP' arena". The Manila Times. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
8. Isaga, JR (August 20, 2024). "New ground: UAAP unveils proposed Pasig arena for 2027 and beyond". RAPPLER. Retrieved August 20, 2024.

• Sports venues in Metro Manila
• Buildings and structures in Pasig
• Indoor arenas in the Philippines
• Proposed indoor arenas
• Basketball venues in the Philippines
• Volleyball venues in the Philippines