New press room for SEA Games football matches. Photo by Cedelf Tupas/INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines–The changes were noticeable and of course – welcome.
After drawing flak for putting the post-match press conference at the unfinished squash hall venue, organizers of the Southeast Asian Games men’s football competition have relocated it to the media room inside the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Although the room was much smaller compared to the makeshift media area just a few meters away, it now has new airconditioning units and newly-painted walls that were part of the facelift of the NAS.
The changes were made immediately after the first day of the competition at Rizal Memorial Stadium. Organizers said they were actually left with no choice as the other possible postmatch press room venues at RMS were not yet finished. The NAS’ media room was made available last Tuesday.
Postmatch presscon. pic.twitter.com/gW0lgFeSQB
— Cedelf P. Tupas (@cedelfptINQ) November 25, 2019
The LED board that also took a while to function last Monday worked without a hitch in the last two days, while the electronic scoreboard at the bleachers’ area was also functioning unlike in the first match of the tournament between Malaysia and Myanmar.
Over at the other football venue in Biñan City, the location was spruced up in anticipation of big crowds that follow the most popular event in the SEA Games.
Nice touch from those handling the venue in Biñan esp the Biñan City Government. Standees of our 🇵🇭women’s national team installed on the fence. A pleasant sight as you walk into the stadium. The Malditas are set to face Myanmar tonight at 8 here. @INQUIRERSports @foottiecrazy pic.twitter.com/SYA9ZzRDal
— Cedelf P. Tupas (@cedelfptINQ) November 26, 2019
The grandstand which was finished early this year was almost packed as the Philippines held favored Myanmar to a scoreless draw Tuesday night.
From the security to the ushers, Biñan pulled out all the stops to ensure a successful hosting.
Giving the venue a more personalized touch were standees of the Philippine women’s national team placed on the fence of the facility. Fans were seen taking their time to take photos and videos of their favorite Malditas player.