Philippine football development is expected to get big boost after the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Football Federation announced their plan to turn the existing Rizal Stadium into international standard field.
Based on the memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed by the government sports agency and the PFF officials, the decades-old pitch will be converted into all-weather facility by replacing the ground’s natural grass with an artificial one.
To the tune of a P25-million grant from FIFA, under its program called “Fifa goal projects,” the additional features on the existing stadium will include the increase of the capacity from 14,000 to 25,000-30,000 spectators.
The lightings will also be improved to meet the international standard, and at the same time give the country handsome chances to host international football matches, notably the Suzuki Cup.
PSC chair Richie Garcia and commissioner Iggy Clavecilla signed the MoA with PFF president Mariano Araneta and secretary general Roland Tulay yesterday at the PSC office.
“Based on their blueprint, they will put up four dugouts with amenities for the team and separate rooms for the referees and officials. They will also add more comfort rooms,” said Garcia.
The construction, which will begin after the bidding, which will last for about four months. Once completed, the stadium will have to be primarily used for football games in the next 25 years, as per FIFA’s principal condition in extending the grant which is equivalent to $500,000.
The use of artificial grass which is accepted worldwide will hasten the conduct of the tournament matches, since the ground, in the words of Garcia “can be used 365 days a year.”
“With this facility, even the NCAA and the UAAP leagues can now hold their matches in the stadium once completed,” said Araneta, adding the use of artificial grass is in line with the FIFA’s trust to conserve water.