MANILA – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is planning to double the seating capacity of the Rizal Memorial Stadium as part of the ongoing rehabilitation of the entire sports complex.

At the same time, SM Prime Holdings is proposing the construction of a new sports arena inside Harrison Plaza, as part of its major redevelopment project.

These proposals were discussed during a recent meeting between PSC and SM Prime officials, marking the start of a potential partnership aimed at blending heritage preservation with modern sports development. The vision is to transform the area into a world-class sports and lifestyle hub.

“You will see a lot of contribution from SM on how to enhance and elevate this area,” said Hans Sy after touring the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex with PSC officials led by chairman John Patrick Gregorio.

While still in the exploratory stage, the partnership could bring a major facelift to both the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Harrison Plaza, located just across each other along Adriatico Street.

“This is a perfect partnership with world-class development. We recognize how historic and iconic the complex is, and we need to work together on this now,” Gregorio said.

Under the proposal, the Rizal Memorial Stadium’s seating capacity could increase from about 12,873 to 25,000, once renovations are completed. Plans also include bringing back natural grass to replace the current artificial turf.

This upgrade is seen as a boost for clubs in the Philippines Football League aiming to compete in the AFC Champions League, which requires natural grass fields under updated stadium rules.

Meanwhile, SM Prime’s proposed development at Harrison Plaza includes a FIBA-standard basketball court that can also be converted into a multi-sport venue for volleyball, badminton, tennis, pickleball, padel, and table tennis.

The facility is expected to serve as a competition hub for local and international events once completed, with the redeveloped complex to be renamed SM Harrison.

If expanded with seating, the new arena could become the third major indoor sports venue in the area, joining the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The proposed developments signal a major step toward revitalizing one of Manila’s most historic sports districts, combining modern facilities with cultural preservation.

NPO News Team | PNA Philippine News Agency - PR