Photo from Akari Sports
The reality will set in when the UAAP unveils Season 90 three years from now.
The dream, however, started long ago.
In between the two, the work continues for the UAAP’s new home.
“It was born out of necessity but listening to all the people earlier, deep inside each one of us, we all yearn for a home,” UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag told select members of the media on Tuesday in Quezon City after the signing of a memorandum of agreement with partner Akari Corp. to build a brand new multisport venue.
The centerpiece of the project, which will rise on a 1.8-hectare lot in Pasig City, will be an arena that will seat around 6,000 to 7,000 fans and will be dubbed “Home of the UAAP.”
“We want to have a home [but] aside from the need, it’s actually the want to realize an aspirational dream of having your own home,” Saguisag said. “I think both [reasons] are important for us.”
The project will host all indoor tournaments of the varsity league, but because of the limited seating, blockbuster matchups, especially in basketball and volleyball, will still be held in larger venues such as Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena.
“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,” Saguisag said during the press conference.
Long-term lease
Signing the agreement were Saguisag and Akari chief executive officer Christopher Tiu, among others.
“This Home of the UAAP project is our way of supporting grassroots sports development, where young student-athletes can grow, excel and shine on the national stage. I am honored that Akari is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of varsity sports in the Philippines,” Tiu said.
The landmark venue is targeted to be completed three years from now when the league holds Season 90 which will be hosted by National University.
It is also seen to give student-athletes a sense of stability and familiarity that can help bring out a better performance during games, added Saguisag.
Though the UAAP is a partner in the project, the league is not a co-owner but will be in a long-term lease agreement for more than a decade. The new arena will also be open to host other leagues such as the PBA, PVL and even NCAA.
“Next step will be coming up with a schematic design and then once it’s approved … we will be involved in the building and constant consultation,” the executive director said. “At least we are given a chance, unlike the other venues that are already built when we rent it and just have to live with the present structure.”
“You can literally call it a neutral ground, level playing field for every one as no one will have a home court,” Saguisag said of the venue situated in between the areas of the league’s member universities. INQ