Photo: UAAP Media Team
PASIG — The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) took a historic step toward building its own permanent home as officials and partners held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Home of the UAAP on Friday, October 24, at Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Pasig City.
Set to rise on a 1.8-hectare property, the upcoming 8,000-seat state-of-the-art arena will be owned and developed by Akari Lighting and Technology Corporation, the league’s long-time corporate partner. Once completed, the venue will serve as the main hub for all indoor events in the UAAP’s 18-sport calendar and will also house the league’s offices and headquarters.
UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel Casancio, OP hailed the milestone as a defining moment in the league’s nearly nine-decade history, saying the project reflects the collective dream of all eight member universities to create a home that embodies the UAAP’s legacy and values.
The arena’s design will feature a striking infinity-shaped structure, symbolizing unity and the enduring spirit of the member schools. Its façade will be lined with dynamic LED lighting that will illuminate in the colors of the winning university after every event—a visual celebration of school pride.
Beyond sports, the complex will include a curated mix of commercial and leisure spaces, envisioned to make the Home of the UAAP a premier lifestyle and entertainment destination for fans, alumni, and the broader community.
Designed in collaboration with Athletica Asia, ASYA Design, R.S. Caparros Associates & Co., and Redviper Ventures, the arena will also feature a secondary indoor venue located on the topmost floor. This smaller arena will accommodate other UAAP indoor sports, allowing the league to host simultaneous events and streamline its jam-packed season schedule.
While the facility is designed primarily for UAAP use, it will also be made available to other professional or collegiate leagues, provided there are no schedule conflicts, highlighting its goal to become a shared space for Philippine sports development.
The Home of the UAAP represents a long-awaited realization for the country’s premier collegiate league, which has long relied on rented arenas across Metro Manila. Once completed, the venue is expected to stand as a symbol of the UAAP’s growth, heritage, and its commitment to nurturing future generations of Filipino student-athletes.
