MANILA, Philippines — If you’re all set for Philippine Azkals-LA Galaxy game at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, here’s a piece of advice: Leave your cars.
With game time nearing, trafic is expected to build up heavily on the already busy streets surrounding the coliseum, particularly Vito Cruz and Adriatico.
If you can hop on LRT’s line one, you’ll avoid a lot of hassles (like finding a decent and cheap parking space) and save time. The LRT has a stop right at the corner of Vito Cruz and Taft Ave., from where Rizal is just a short walk away.
Also be advised that security will be tight on all entrances of the venue with hundreds of security personnel and ushers deployed. Even with rain being forecasted in surrounding areas, leave your umbrellas instead settle for raincoats or hooded jackets.
Umbrellas, along with folding stools, sharp and pointed objects including ballpens are prohibited inside the venue.
Food and drinks bought outside are also not allowed. You can, however, purchase refreshments inside the stadium grounds. Just prepare additional cash because prices will be slightly inflated when compared to suggested retail price. Choices are wide: There are milk tea stalls, hotdog stands and those that sell rice meals.
We know you want to immortalize your attendance in this historic event with your cameras. The good news? You can bring DSLRs.
The bad news, the only lens allowed inside are up to 50mm. Zoom lenses are strictly prohibited–although that’s unlikely to stop the adventurous from trying to sneak in 200mm lenses. However, you can do so at your own risk.
As with past matches involving Azkals, security will make you deposit all banned items at the gates.
And if you want to show your support, whether to David Beckham and then Galaxy or Phil Younghusband and the Philippines Azkals, face painting booths are available at Adriatico street.
T-shirts and replica jerseys are also available, with simple shirts priced at P200 while the jerseys are pegged at P500 but come in limited quantities only.
The good news? There are still tickets available at the stands. A representative from TicketWorld told Inquirer.net that seating in all sections is still open.