PSC Plans to Transform 92-Year-Old Rizal Memorial Coliseum Into a World-Class Multi-Sport Arena
The Philippine Sports Commission has ambitious plans to modernize the historic 92-year-old Rizal Memorial Coliseum, transforming it from a basic indoor venue into a world-class, fully-convertible stadium capable of hosting major international events.
PSC chairman Patrick 'Pato' Gregorio envisions the RMC hosting not just basketball and volleyball but also tennis, sepak takraw, and potentially WTA (Women's Tennis Association) events. 'With modern technology like permanent and retractable roofing, the venue can be converted into a basketball, tennis, sepak takraw, or volleyball court,' he said.
The coliseum will host the first-ever ASTAF U19 Asian Championship from November 18 to 24 this year, providing a target date for key renovations. Initial upgrades are focused on preparing the venue for sepak takraw, with tennis capabilities potentially added by January 2027.
Under Gregorio's leadership, the PSC has already made improvements to its other facilities — the Philsports Complex in Pasig and Teacher's Camp in Baguio. Track ovals are now open for free nightly runs by the public, following a directive from President Marcos.
The Rizal Memorial Tennis Center was also recently upgraded for the first-ever Philippine Women's Tennis Open. 'Wherever they are good, wherever they proudly wear the Philippine flag, we must support them. That is the best gift we can give our youth,' Gregorio said, emphasizing his commitment to making Philippine sports facilities truly world-class.
Source: Daily Tribune
