View source for Rizal Memorial Coliseum

{{Short description|Public indoor arena in Manila, Philippines}}
{{Recent|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox venue 
| name              = Rizal Memorial Coliseum 
| nickname          = 
| image             = Rizal Memorial Coliseum - sign (Malate, Manila; 11-23-2019).jpg
| caption           = 
| former names      = Rizal Memorial Tennis Stadium
| location          = [[Manila]], [[Philippines]]
| coordinates       = {{coord|14.56212|N|120.99398|E|dim:30_region:PH_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| broke_ground      =   
| opened            = 1934<ref name="heritageathletes" /> 
| closed            =  
| demolished        =  
| renovated         = 1953,<ref name=willitbeat/><ref name="heritageathletes" /> 1981,<ref name=willitbeat/> 1991,<ref name=willitbeat/> 2005,<ref name=willitbeat/> 2019<ref name="jawdropping">{{cite web |title=LOOK: Jaw-dropping rendered images of Rizal Memorial Coliseum |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/24/19/look-jaw-dropping-rendered-images-of-rizal-memorial-coliseum |website=[[ABS-CBN News]] |access-date=16 September 2019 |date=24 August 2019 |quote=Lico was tasked to return the 8,000-seat Art Deco building to its old glory and, based on the pictures he posted on Facebook, the restoration of the rundown coliseum will make people's jaws drop.}}</ref>
| owner             = [[Manila|City Government of Manila]]
| operator          = [[Philippine Sports Commission]]
| architect         = [[Juan Arellano]]
| civil engineer    =
| surface           =  
| construction_cost =  
| publictransit     = {{rint|metro}} {{rint|manila|LRT-1}} {{lrt|Vito Cruz}}<br> {{rint|bus|1}} {{RouteBox|5|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#4a98d0|white}}
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{{RouteBox|53|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#36454F|white}} P. Ocampo 
| tenants           =  [[Philippines women's national basketball team]]<br/>[[Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association|MICAA]] (1938–1981)<br/>[[University Athletic Association of the Philippines|UAAP]] (1938–2002)<br/>[[National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines)|NCAA]] (1938–2006)<br/>[[Philippine Basketball Association|PBA]] (1975–1982, 2024–present)<br/>[[Manila Metrostars]] ([[Metropolitan Basketball Association|MBA]]) (1998)<br/>[[Manila Batang Quiapo]] ([[Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League|MPBL]]) (2025–present)
| seating_capacity  = 6,100
|}}

The '''Rizal Memorial Coliseum''' is an [[indoor arena]] in the [[Rizal Memorial Sports Complex]] in [[Manila]], [[Philippines]]. It can hold up to 6,100 people.<ref name="explains">{{cite news |last1=Sabillo |first1=Kristine |title=Architect explains meticulous process behind Rizal Coliseum renovation |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/11/27/19/architect-explains-meticulous-process-behind-rizal-coliseum-renovation |access-date=27 November 2019 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=27 November 2019}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:RMSCjf9787 01.JPG|thumb|The Rizal Memorial Coliseum prior to the 2019 renovation]]
The Rizal Memorial Coliseum within the [[Rizal Memorial Sports Complex]] was built on the former site of Manila Carnival Grounds<ref name="heritageathletes">{{cite web |last1=De Guzman |first1=Nicai |title=How Heritage Groups and Athletes Fought to Keep the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Alive |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/life/sports/how-heritage-groups-and-athletes-fought-to-keep-the-rizal-memorial-sports-complex-alive-a1729-20180319-lfrm2 |website=Esquire Philippines |access-date=16 September 2019 |date=19 March 2018}}</ref> in 1934 as a [[tennis]] stadium named "Rizal Memorial Tennis Stadium",<ref name=willitbeat>{{cite news |last1=Sampayan |first1=Jac |title=Will it beat the SEAG deadline? Inside the Rizal Memorial makeover |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/09/12/19/once-a-symbol-of-our-nation-the-rizal-memorial-sports-complex-is-set-to-regain-its-past-glory |access-date=15 September 2019 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=12 September 2019}}</ref> but was later renamed “Rizal Memorial Coliseum” at an unknown time. It became a primary venue for the UAAP and the NCAA, before moving to much-larger venues such as the [[Araneta Coliseum]].<ref name="decadesold" /> It was one of the buildings that were destroyed during the [[Battle of Manila (1945)|Battle of Manila]] of [[World War II]] in 1945<ref name="heritageathletes" /> and was reconstructed in 1953 for the [[1954 Asian Games]].<ref name="heritageathletes" /><ref name=willitbeat/> It was also one of the venues of now-defunct [[Metropolitan Basketball Association]] (MBA) as the home court of the [[Manila Metrostars]] during the inaugural season in 1998.

===2019 renovation and restoration===
[[File:Rizal Memorial Coliseum - MPBL 2025.jpg|thumb|200px|upright|left|Rizal Memorial Coliseum during a [[Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League]] (MPBL) game in 2025.]]
The venue was used and renovated for the [[2019 SEA Games]]. The renovation was funded from the {{Philippine peso|250 million}} given by the [[Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation]] to the Philippine Sports Commission.<ref name="legacy">{{cite web |last1=De La Cruz |first1=Christa I. |title=The Legacy of Juan Arellano: Saving Southeast Asia's Only Art Deco Coliseum |url=https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/the-latest-arts-culture/80019/rizal-memorial-coliseum-restoration-a833-20191130-lfrm |website=SPOT.ph |access-date=27 December 2019 |date=30 November 2019}}</ref> Renovation work which will cover both the interior and exterior of the facility began on July 8, 2019,<ref name="decadesold">{{cite news |last1=Terrado |first1=Reuben |title=Decades-old Rizal Memorial Coliseum gets long-overdue renovation |url=https://www.spin.ph/multisport/historic-rizal-memorial-coliseum-gets-long-overdue-renovation-a795-20190708 |access-date=9 July 2019 |work=Sports Interactive Network Philippines |date=8 July 2019}}</ref> after getting approval from three government agencies, the [[National Commission for Culture and the Arts]] (NCCA), the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] (NHCP), and the [[National Museum of the Philippines]] (NMP).<ref name="explains" /> ME Sicat Construction is the contractor for the renovation project which secured its role through bidding. ME Sicat hired the service of heritage conservationist and architect Gerard Lico for the renovation. Unlike the previous renovations which were minor, for the first time since the rebuilt of the 
coliseum in 1953, the renovation will be a major overhaul.<ref name=willitbeat/><ref name="renovationrmc" />

The renovation process includes near [[Building restoration|restoration]] of the building to its state in the 1930s and the installation of new plastic seats and retractable seating system, flooring, plumbing, fireproofing, electrical system and for the first time in coliseum's history, air conditioning system, while keeping the original look of the building designed by [[Juan Arellano]].<ref name="explains" /><ref name="legacy" /><ref name="willitbeat" /><ref name="renovationrmc" /> Lico and his team used the archival materials by the collectors to restore its original design including from [[Jorge B. Vargas]] (who was a founding member of the [[Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation]] and the first Filipino member of the [[International Olympic Committee]]).<ref name="legacy" />

Part of its restoration are the repainting of the coliseum's color back into its original which is based from using paint scraping of the building, removals of add-on canopy that was added during the 1970s, metal dividers at the entrance, and wire mesh that separated the spectator area, discoveries of some of its original designs that were covered or removed during its previous renovations (such as the porthole windows and two side rooms at the lobby, and grillworks that bears the letters "T" and "S", referring the coliseum's original name), replacement of faux marble into a real marble, replacement of grillworks to floor-to-ceiling glass at the entrances, the addition of the art-deco style elements on its locker and comfort rooms and the addition of a replica of the original lightning fixtures at the main entrance which was removed during its previous renovations.<ref name="explains" /><ref name="legacy" /> Also part of its restoration is the gallery room which is the exhibit of the old photographs, tickets and posters of some notable events held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex that are part of Vargas' collection.<ref name="legacy" /> Lico revealed that he spend his own money for the gallery room as it was not included of the renovation budget and he insisted to include it to make people connect with the importance history of the complex.<ref name="legacy" /><ref name="explains" /> He added that the three government agencies didn't want the idea of gallery room but ME Sicat convinced them to approve it.<ref name="explains" />

As for the installation of the air conditioning system for the first time, Lico and his team removed the building's blowers, vents, and exhaust fans and covered the ceiling with a two-inch foaming insulation to absorb outdoor noise. They installed the ducts of the air-conditioning which are all in industrial style to match with the building's interior and also evocative of ocean liners, a significant element of industrialization during the 1930s.<ref name="legacy" /> The renovation made its capacity decreased from 8,000<ref name="jawdropping" /> to only 6,100.<ref name="legacy" /><ref name="explains" /> The restoration work of the coliseum is in accordance to the plan by the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines|NHCP]], the agency which declared the complex as a "National Historical Landmark".<ref name="rizalphilsportswhite">{{cite web |last1=Navarro |first1=June |title=Rizal, PhilSports won't be white elephants |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/370502/rizal-philsports-wont-be-white-elephants |publisher=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |access-date=20 October 2019 |date=20 October 2019}}</ref> 285 workers are working for the renovation around the clock in 3 shifts.<ref name="renovationrmc">{{cite web |last1=Dioquino |first1=Delfin |title=Renovation of Rizal Memorial Coliseum nears completion for SEA Games |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/specials/sea-games/243574-renovation-rizal-memorial-coliseum-nears-completion-2019 |website=[[Rappler]] |access-date=28 October 2019 |date=28 October 2019}}</ref> This led both the UAAP and the NCAA expressed interest to hold their respective games on the coliseum again.<ref name="rmcnears">{{cite web |last1=Giongco |first1=Nick |title=Rizal Memorial Coliseum upgrade nears completion |url=https://sports.mb.com.ph/2019/09/16/rizal-coliseum-upgrade-nears-completion/ |publisher=[[Manila Bulletin]] |access-date=16 September 2019 |date=16 September 2019}}</ref> After only four months, the renovation was completed on November 27, 2019.<ref name="explains" /> The coliseum hosted the [[Gymnastics at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games|gymnastics competitions during the biennial games]].<ref name="renovationrmc" />

==Previous proposed plans==
The [[Philippine Sports Commission]] (PSC) unveiled plans for the conversion of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum into a Philippine Sports Museum and the Asian Games Museum which houses the memorabilia of Philippine and Asian sports icons and hall of famers. The current location of the PSM is located at the second floor of the PSC building inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. There was a plan to demolish the site before the PSC's announcement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://balita.net.ph/2016/01/20/rizal-memorial-coliseum-gagawing-home-of-sports-hall-of-famers/|title=Rizal Memorial Coliseum, gagawing 'Home of Sports Hall of Famers'|trans-title=Rizal Memorial Coliseum will turned into a 'Home of Sports Hall of Famers'|language=fil|publisher=Balita|last=Oredo|first=Angie|date=20 January 2016|access-date=20 January 2016}}</ref>

On November 22, 2016, then-Manila Mayor [[Joseph Estrada]] announced that the city government is making a partnership with businessman [[Enrique Razon]] to convert the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (which includes a coliseum) into a commercial center which will include a mall and cinemas.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Clapano|first1=Jose Rodel|title=Manila to turn Rizal coliseum into mall|url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/11/23/1644675/manila-turn-rizal-coliseum-mall|access-date=16 September 2019|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=23 November 2016}}</ref><!-- The article incorrectly refers the complex as "Rizal Memorial Coliseum" which actually is a facility for indoor events like basketball --> The plan was to build-up contemporary buildings and commercial structures with modern smart technologies and amenities, as well as more greener open spaces within the property. A sports museum would also be construct here, while the facade of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum would be retained.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/business/154693-razon-rizal-memorial-sports-complex|title=Razon group plans to renovate Rizal Memorial Coliseum, add malls|publisher=[[Rappler]]|last=dela Paz|first=Charisse|date=December 6, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref> The plan was criticized by various heritage and athletes groups with an online petition posted on [[Change.org]] was initiated to save the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex amid several reports on the planned redevelopment.<ref name="heritageathletes" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/03/16/online-petition-seeks-to-save-rizal-memorial-sports-complex|title=Online petition seeks to save Rizal Memorial Sports Complex|publisher=[[ABS-CBN News]]|date=December 3, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref> The plan was also criticized by the Heritage Conservation Society, questioning if Manila needs another shopping mall. The [[National Commission for Culture and the Arts ]] also stated that the city government of Estrada never consulted the agency regarding their plans on the sports venue in particular despite promising to cooperate with the government body on [[cultural conservation]] in a meeting initiated by the Manila government in May 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sembrano|first1=Edgar Allan|title=Erap plan to convert Rizal Coliseum into a mall scored|url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/245636/erap-plan-convert-rizal-coliseum-mall-scored/|access-date=29 November 2016|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=28 November 2016}}</ref> Estrada defended the redevelopment of the RMSC, said that no one uses the complex anymore and it became old, and antiquated.<ref name="heritageathletes" />

However, in April 2017, the sports complex was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] and an Important Cultural Property by the [[National Museum of the Philippines]] ensuring the site's preservation due to the National Cultural Heritage Act.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sembrano|first1=Edgar Allan|title=Rizal Memorial declared historical landmark, important cultural property|url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/260610/rizal-memorial-declared-historical-landmark-important-cultural-property/|access-date=25 April 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=24 April 2017}}</ref> Because of the declaration, the Razon group later dropped its bid to redevelop the complex<ref name="heritageathletes" /> and the Philippine Sports Commission halted its negotiations with the Manila City government on the planned sale of RMSC, instead it will be focused now on rehabilitating the sports complex.<ref name="heritageathletes" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.inquirer.net/258910/psc-halts-sale-rizal-memorial-sports-complex|title=PSC halts sale of Rizal Memorial Sports Complex|publisher=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=August 3, 2017}}</ref> On August 7, 2019, both the PSC and the Manila City government (now under the administration of Mayor [[Isko Moreno]]) agreed to not selling the complex.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Terrado |first1=Reuben |title=Manila not selling Rizal Sports Complex under mayor Isko Moreno |url=https://www.spin.ph/multisport/manila-not-selling-rizal-sports-complex-under-mayor-isko-moreno-a795-20190807 |website=Sports Interactive Network |access-date=16 September 2019 |date=7 August 2019}}</ref>

==Architecture and design==
[[Juan Arellano]] was the architect responsible for the design of the [[Rizal Memorial Sports Complex]] including the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The Rizal Memorial Coliseum exhibits an [[Art deco architecture|Art Deco]] style architecture, particularly [[Streamline Moderne]].<ref name=willitbeat/>

== See also ==
*[[Rizal Memorial Sports Complex]]
*[[Rizal Memorial Stadium]]
*[[Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium]]
*[[Ninoy Aquino Stadium]]
*[[PhilSports Arena]]
*[[Smart Araneta Coliseum]]
*[[Mall of Asia Arena]]
*[[Philippine Arena]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}

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[[Category:1934 establishments in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Art Deco architecture in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Basketball venues in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Malate, Manila]]
[[Category:Indoor arenas in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Juan M. Arellano buildings]]
[[Category:Manila Batang Quiapo]]
[[Category:MPBL venues]]
[[Category:Philippine Basketball Association venues]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1934]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Manila]]
[[Category:Streamline Moderne architecture]]