UAAP breaks ground for new 8,000-seater arena in Pasig City

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is set to have its own dedicated home with the groundbreaking ceremony for an arena in Pasig City, with seating capacity of over 8,000.

The state-of-the-art venue will host indoor events for the UAAP's collegiate and high school calendar, including basketball, volleyball, and badminton, and will also serve as the league's office and headquarters.

Christopher Tiu, owner of Akari Lighting and Technology Corporation, alongside UAAP officials, led the groundbreaking ceremony on the 1.8-hectare site along Amang Rodriguez Avenue.

The seating capacity was increased from nearly 7,000 to over 8,000, with further study on adding standing room space.

Safety features, including protective barriers for standing areas and consideration for emergency evacuations, were emphasized.

The new Pasig venue will be ready to welcome fans in 2028, in time for Season 90 and NU's hosting duties.

While the arena can accommodate high school games and other collegiate sporting events, playoff games and traditional blockbuster matchups will still be held in larger venues like the Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena.