The Stadium – a coliseum where warriors do battle for glory and honor. These structures have been a symbol of pride for cities, countries and people for many centuries. From the huge football stadiums in Europe to the baseball fields of the United States, different sports are housed by these standing testaments to the will to play the game, where fans of the home team cheer their hearts out amidst the sold out crowd in support of their representatives on the field.
The Philippines also has its own fair share of these magnificent buildings, examples of which are the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and of course, the one that is at De La Salle University’s own backyard – the oldest of the lot, the Rizal Memorial Stadium Complex.
Glory days
The Rizal Memorial Stadium was well recognized as an international venue for sporting and other large events during its heyday. Construction started in 1927 under the supervision of Juan Arellano and was inaugurated in 1934 in time for the Far Eastern Games held that same year. The complex houses a number of different sports such as badminton, baseball, football and swimming.
Since its completion almost 80 years ago, the stadium has hosted all of the major local football tournaments. It has also hosted some international games. The international matches that have been hosted by the stadium include the likes of the aforementioned Far Eastern Games, the 1954 Asian Games, AFC Youth Championship, the 1981,1991 and 2005 Southeast Asian Games as well as the Asian Athletics Championships.
Over the recent years, during the height of the football craze, several international teams such as the LA Galaxy played against the Philippines’ national team, the Azkals in exhibition matches.
It is good to note that not all that is held here are sporting events. Back in 1966, the stadium also hosted two sold out concerts of The Beatles. Manila was one of only two cities in Asia that The Beatles have ever played in. With a whopping 80,000 people watching, the event became The Beatles’ second biggest concert ever.
Decline
The condition of the football field slowly deteriorated though after it became a venue for athletics because of the laying out of a new track in the oval. The Philippine National Team has to play their games at a different venue because the stadium became unfit for international tournaments.
Talks of renovating the stadium started in 2009. However, lack of funds and difficulties in the negotiations have caused delays for the renovation of the stadium. It was only in March 2010 that the project was finalized, with the participation of De La Salle University.
Recently, there have been talks going on with regards to the future of this historic site. The Philippine Sports Commission under its chairman Richie Garci is planning on relocating their athletes to a newer stadium while simultaneously they are planning on selling the complex to the highest bidder.
There was also a setback that could really hurt the possibility of ever selling the stadium and that is the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Last July 15, the NHCP declared the stadium a Historical Landmark, wherein eight members of the commission’s board voted unanimously on making it so.
The NHCP will then place a plaque that signifies its historic and cultural value. However, it must pass the criteria of the National Museum since this is the only institution allowed to discern if something is of historical value or importance.
Past its prime
The Rizal Memorial Stadium looks very much behind its glory days. The fading colors of the buildings reflect its struggle to keep up with the modern world.
One may say that the once great stadium is now covered with gloom and disappointment. Vendors are scattered all over the area while the homeless, mostly children, reside along the edges of the place. Pedicabs and other public utility vehicles have claimed some parts of the area to be used as their respective terminals and of course, the amount of filth and trash along the area has made the stadium unpleasant.
Whether it is sold or continues to operate well into the 21st century, the Rizal Memorial Stadium could still be something to be admired. Though barely standing the test of time, it is in the minds of some still a site of splendor as some of the Philippines’ greatest athletes have graced Rizal Stadium’s many fields. It is truly a memorial of the greatness of Philippine sports and will hopefully be improved to continue living up to this name.
