Proposed design for the ‘Home of the UAAP.’

MANILA — The UAAP is set to have its permanent home.

In partnership with Akari Lighting and Technology Corp., the league will be building the ‘Home of the UAAP,’ which is a state-of-the-art arena that is expected to start construction in the last quarter of 2025. 

“‘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,” said league executive director Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag Jr. 

Furthering, he also explained that it also answers the UAAP’s search for stability as it previously held its offices in the respective campuses of the hosts of each season before they settled for a small headquarters in Manila in early 2020. 

“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,” he said.

“It's about stability. If you have a home, you have stability. And I think, every student-athlete, may factor din diyan yung familiarity with the venue. So 'pag familiar ka sa venue, pwedeng tumaas performance mo.”

“Aside from that, 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,” he explained. 

The arena, which is yet to have an official name, will be the venue for the league’s indoor sports for collegiate and high school such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton, but not swimming. 

“Six thousand ang capacity, pero there are seating arrangements na maaaring ma-optimize mo eh, adjustable. So maglalaro siya sa six to seven thousand. Mahirap din kasing magpatayo ng masyadong malaki. Unang una, masyadong mahal. Number two, mahirap din namang punuin,” explained Saguisag, while also sharing that the bigger matchups will still be held at the Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.

”Some of our events like fencing and table tennis, hindi rin naman pumupuno ng 12 to 13 thousand. We based it on data, 'yung 6,000-capacity is sweet spot na rin,” he continued.

“There have been talks about this way, way before, even before the pandemic. Kaya lang, it’s one of those things. Kailangan na nating magpatayo. Pwede bang sa campus ng isang school out of town? In fact, and isang peg namin is like [the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion], kaya lang mahal eh. Abot ng billion, so scratch, shelved, until we finally found a partner.”

Saguisag also touched on the venue of the arena which is expected to stand along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Pasig City.

“You have to realize din the challenges with real estate in Metro Manila. But we have to look at it positively. And this, you can literally call it a neutral ground,” he said.

“Transportation may be a concern, but the same things were said so far as Mall of Asia is concerned. Pero pinag-aralan naman, and hopefully, there will be new transportation that will be built in the future,” he added.

He also stressed that the UAAP will be working closely with ASYA Design Partner in the construction of the arena. 

“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 for the likes of the size of the dugouts, the parking, etc. Unlike with the other venues na nakatayo na, you just have to live with the present structure. Minsan, walang butas for the volleyball poles, ito, we will be consulted all the way.”

Meanwhile, other leagues such as the PBA, PVL, and even its rival NCAA are also welcome to hold their games there. 

“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,” said Akari chief executive officer Christopher Tiu.

Barring any major hindrance, the Home of the UAAP is expected to be operational just in time for the league’s Season 90.