The University Athletic Association of the Philippines took a significant step toward building a permanent home as the groundbreaking ceremony for the “Home of the UAAP” was held on Friday, October 24, at the 1.8-hectare site along Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Pasig City.
For Akari Lighting & Technology Corporation Chief Executive Officer Christopher Tiu, the development of this arena represents their way of giving back to the country’s student-athletes.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I would like to recall a movie about a farmer who built a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield,” Tiu said, referring to the 1989 film Field of Dreams.
“The message of the movie was, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ Years ago, when we first set foot on this property, it was a massive parcel of land with very tall grass stretching as far as our eyes could see. We still didn’t know what we would do with it. Little did we realize that one day, it would be turned into the ‘Field of Dreams’ for thousands of student-athletes.
“In a couple of years, this will serve as a breeding ground and incubation center for future athletes who will bring pride to their schools and their country. This will be a venue where their skills will be developed and their dreams will be nurtured.”
The 8,000-seat state-of-the-art arena, owned by Akari Lighting & Technology Corporation, will serve as the venue for all indoor events of the UAAP’s 18-sport calendar. It will also house the league’s office and headquarters.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“In the journey of the UAAP and the groundbreaking of the Home of the UAAP, we lay the foundation for a lasting legacy and usher in a new era of partnership between and progress for Athletica Asia and the UAAP,” said UAAP Season 88 Chairman Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP of host school University of Santo Tomas.
“From its humble beginning in 1938, the UAAP has evolved into a powerful tradition of unity and legacy—producing generations of student-athletes, uniting rival schools under one banner, and inspiring the nation through the spirit of competition and camaraderie.
“This season, under the theme ‘Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,’ we are reminded that the UAAP is more than a league — it is a family of institutions that channel their strength into movement and make an impact on and off the field. Now, with the Home of the UAAP, we take the next bold step. More than just a sports venue, it will be a true home — a space of belonging, and a place where champions and icons will be nurtured.”
“Today marks a historic milestone for the UAAP as we break ground on the Home of the UAAP. On behalf of all eight member schools, we are deeply grateful to our partner Akari for making this vision a reality,” added UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Featuring an infinity-shaped design symbolizing the eight UAAP member schools and their core values, the complex will include a mix of commercial spaces. That will transform the Home of the UAAP into not only a sporting venue but also an entertainment destination for all Filipinos.
Athletica Asia, also owned by Akari, aims to engage the community by inviting suggestions for the official name of the arena.
“No official name yet, but we are open to suggestions. The arena is meant for everyone, and we want the entire community to be involved,” shared Project Director Engr. Timothy Tan.
“We would like to invite everyone to share their thoughts. Feel free to interact with us, because at the end of the day, this arena is meant for everyone — and we want to build it together with them.”
(C) ASYA Design
The arena’s façade will be lined with LED lights that illuminate the colors of the winning university after each UAAP game.
“One of the design features is a state-of-the-art LED screen outside. So, whoever wins each game, their colors will light up the façade, which will be provided by Akari,” explained ASYA Design’s Arch. Andrew Yu.
Located on the topmost floor of the building — designed in collaboration with Athletica Asia, ASYA Design, R.S. Caparros Associates & Co., and Redviper Ventures — will be a smaller arena intended to host most of the other indoor sports.
This setup will allow the UAAP to stage simultaneous events, easing the scheduling demands of its packed calendar.
Beyond sports, the Home of the UAAP will also open its doors to concerts, entertainment shows, school graduations, and corporate functions, according to Engr. Tan.
