Akari Lights the Vision: The Future Home of the UAAP

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and Akari Lighting and Technology Corporation made headlines last August 20 as they officially launched their exciting partnership to build the Home of the UAAP. The milestone contract signing took place at UP Diliman in the Atencio-Libunao Hall, kicking off the journey for this game-changing project in Bridgetowne, Pasig.

The vision for this state-of-the-art facility was born from a shared dream to create a permanent home for the athletes of the eight UAAP member schools—University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University, University of the East, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University, De La Salle University, and National University.

Reflecting this vision, league executive director Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag Jr. emphasized that “The Home of the UAAP is not just for the league itself. It is for the student-athletes who represent the heart and soul of the UAAP. This is their home — a place where they can compete, grow, and thrive.”

Slated for completion in 2027 and just in time for Season 90, the Home of the UAAP will not only host basketball and volleyball games but will also serve as a multifunctional arena for various indoor sports. With a seating capacity of 6,000, it will be the ultimate venue for future UAAP events and possibly other prestigious leagues such as the PBA, PVL, NCAA, and national sporting events.

Led by principal architect Albert Yu of ASYA Design, the arena will boast a one-of-a-kind layout, taking the shape of an eye-catching “8” to represent the eight UAAP member schools. Akari, known for lighting up rooms,, will equip the building with an extraordinary exterior lighting system that will change to display the winning school's color after each game. Additionally, the building’s design includes the use of solar panels for power generation and a rainwater collection system designed to collect rainwater to be used for cleaning.

The project is currently in its final stages of schematic planning, with bidding and construction set to follow in the next two seasons. The countdown to 2027 has begun, and with it comes the anticipation of a new chapter in Philippine sports where the future of the UAAP is set to shine brighter than ever before.