Facade of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The NCAA is heading back to its roots.
The league is set to return to the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum for Season 101, with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) clearing all logistical hurdles for its long-awaited homecoming.
READ: Patrick Gregorio replaces Richard Bachmann as chair of PSC
Opened in 1934, the Rizal Memorial Coliseum became synonymous with the NCAA during the league’s early years and hosted countless classic games until 2005.
“Dito talaga ang identity ng NCAA,” said acting Management Committee chairman Atty. Jonas Cabochan of San Beda University. “It was synonymous with the Rizal Memorial Coliseum back in the day.”
PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio (5th from left) and PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy (2nd from left) sat down with the NCAA Management Committee school representatives. –HANDOUT PHOTO
Newly installed PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio welcomed the move.
“We welcome back the NCAA with open arms. This is their home,” he said.
The venue’s location is expected to benefit most member schools, which are based in Manila and the southern part of Metro Manila. These include San Sebastian, San Beda, St. Benilde, Arellano, EAC, Letran, Mapúa, Lyceum, JRU, and Perpetual Help.
“It will definitely help in attracting audiences for every game, a vibrant identity the NCAA has been carrying since then,” said Gregorio.
The NCAA is eyeing a soft launch at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in September and a grand opening in October.
Gymnastics, boxing, and weightlifting are also being considered as demonstration sports for Season 101. Though not yet part of the medal tally, these events have historically delivered for the Philippines in the Olympics.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Gregorio recently met with NCAA officials to discuss plans for the upcoming season. Present were Cabochan, Peter Cayco (Arellano), Fr. Victor Calvo Jr. (Letran), Raymund Castellano (St. Benilde), Francisco Gusi (Perpetual Help), and Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo (EAC).
