With almost nine decades of history, the UAAP is finally getting its own place to call home.
Dubbed as the “Home of UAAP,” the project officially broke ground on Friday, Oct. 24, at the 1.8-hectare field along Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Pasig City.
For UST Rector and UAAP Season 88 Chairman Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP, the groundbreaking of the arena symbolizes the foundation of the league’s legacy.
“From its humble beginning in 1938, the UAAP has evolved into a powerful tradition of unity and legacy — producing generations of student-athletes, uniting rival schools under one banner and inspiring the nation through the spirit of competition and camaraderie,” Ang said during the event.
“Now, with the ‘Home of the UAAP,’ we take the next bold step. More than just a sports venue, it will be a true home — a space of belonging, and a place where champions and icons will be nurtured,” he added.
Owned by Akari Lighting and Technology Corporation, the state-of-the-art arena will have an 8,000-seating capacity and is set to hold all indoor sports of the UAAP. It will also serve as the league’s main office and headquarters.
For several years, the UAAP relied on various venues to hold its games — notably in the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao and the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Today marks a historic milestone for the UAAP as we break ground on the Home of the UAAP,” UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel Casancio, OP, said.
“On behalf of all eight member schools, we are deeply grateful to our partner Akari for making this vision a reality,” Cansancio, also the UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director, added.
The edifice will feature an infinity-shaped design to represent the eight member schools of the league. Its facade will also be lit with LED lights of the winning school after each game.
According to ASYA Design’s architect Andrew Yu,the “Home of the UAAP” will also be open for other events such as concerts, school graduations, entertainment shows, among others.
It is targeted to be completed by Season 90 in 2027. F
