View source for Rizal Memorial Sports Complex

{{short description|Sports complex in Manila, Philippines}}
{{use mdy|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox sports complex
| native_name= 
| native_name_lang=
| othernames =
| logo_image =
| logo_size =
| image               = Rizal_Memorial_Sports_Complex_birdseye.jpg
| image_size          = 250px
| caption             = The sports complex with the [[De La Salle University]] campus in the foreground.
| fullname =
| former names = Rizal Memorial Field
| mainvenue=[[Rizal Memorial Stadium|Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium]]
| mainvenue_capacity =12,873
| otherfacilities = {{plainlist|
* [[Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium]] 
* [[Rizal Memorial Coliseum]] 
* [[Ninoy Aquino Stadium]] 
* [[Rizal Memorial Sports Complex#Facilities|''And others'' {{small|(see below)}}]]
}}
| location            = [[Manila]], [[Philippines]]
| coordinates            = {{Coord|14.563810|120.990623|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| broke_ground           = 
| built               = 1927
| opened              = 1934
| renovated           = 2019
| expanded               = 
| closed                 = 
| demolished             = 
| owner               = [[Manila|City Government of Manila]]
| operator            = [[Philippine Sports Commission]]
| cost                   =
| architect              =
| builder                = 
| project_manager        = 
| structural engineer    = 
| services engineer      = 
| general_contractor     = 
| main_contractors       = 
| acreage                = 
| tenants                = [[Philippine Sports Commission]]
| website                = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| 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}}
{{RouteBox|6|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#4fcd98|white}} 
{{RouteBox|7|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#0D264F|white}}
{{RouteBox|14|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#4052A4|black}} 
{{RouteBox|17|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#6CBD45|white}} 
{{RouteBox|23|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#EA4924|white}} 
{{RouteBox|24|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#ff5b2b|white}} 
{{RouteBox|25|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#827B60|white}} 
{{RouteBox|27|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#0F51A3|white}}  
{{RouteBox|34|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#F9CF47|black}}  
{{RouteBox|38|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#6D268C|white}} 
{{RouteBox|40|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#DC7070|white}}
{{RouteBox|42|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#E3833F|white}}
{{RouteBox|48|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#00d3c2|white}}
{{RouteBox|49|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#9116d9|white}} 
{{RouteBox|52|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#a52a2a|white}}
{{RouteBox|53|List of bus routes in Metro Manila|#36454F|white}} P. Ocampo
| module = {{Designation list|embed=yes
 |designation1 = PHILIPPINES NATIONAL HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
 |designation1_offname = Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
 |designation1_type = [[Sports complex]]
 |designation1_date = {{start date and age|2017|03|27}}
 |designation1_number = [https://philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph/registry_database/rizal-memorial-sports-complex No. 5, s. 2017]
 }}
}}
The '''Rizal Memorial Sports Complex''' ('''RMSC'''; formerly known as '''Rizal Memorial Field'''<ref name="rizalbuilder" />) is a national sports complex of the [[Philippines]], located on Pablo Ocampo St. (formerly Vito Cruz St.), [[Malate, Manila|Malate]], [[Manila]]. It is named in honor of the country's national hero, [[José Rizal]] (1861–1896). The complex is currently managed by the [[Philippine Sports Commission]], while the property is owned by the Manila City government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/biz-group-backs-rizal-memorial-complex-redevelopment/300388/|title=Biz group backs Rizal Memorial Complex redevelopment|work=The Manila Times|last=Talavera|first=Catherine|date=December 6, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Galvez|first1=Waylon|title=Jawo, Mon agree: Preserve RMSC|url=http://tempo.com.ph/2017/02/13/jawo-mon-agree-preserve-rmsc/|access-date=13 February 2017|work=Tempo|date=13 February 2017|quote=...Department of Justice has already ruled that Manila owns the area [RMSC].}}</ref> The complex also houses the administrative office of the PSC, and quarters for the Philippines' national athletes.

==History==
[[File:Philippine Island - Manila - NARA - 68156647.jpg|thumb|270px|left|Aerial view of Rizal Memorial Field in 1931]]
Standing on the site of the former 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> the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (then known as Rizal Memorial Field<ref name="rizalbuilder" />) was constructed in 1927 and was inaugurated in time for the [[1934 Far Eastern Championship Games]].<ref name="heritageathletes" /><ref name="take" /> The land was donated by the Vito Cruz family and the initial sports facilities  - the [[Rizal Memorial Stadium|track and football stadium]], the [[Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium|baseball stadium]], the [[Rizal Memorial Coliseum|tennis stadium (later renovated into an indoor arena)]] and the swimming stadium - were designed by architect [[Juan Arellano]] in the [[Art Deco]] style.<ref name="heritageathletes" /><ref name="take" /> It was planned and built by then-[[Secretary of Public Works and Highways|Public Works secretary]], [[Antonio de las Alas]].<ref name="rizalbuilder">{{cite news |last1=Sembrano |first1=Edgar Allan M. |title=Rizal Memorial builder's kin cry foul over Erap demolition plan |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/255559/rizal-memorial-builders-kin-cry-foul-erap-demolition-plan/ |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=21 September 2019 |date=27 February 2017}}</ref> Construction for a [[Ninoy Aquino Stadium|multi-purpose arena]] was begun in the 1960s.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}

During the [[Philippine Commonwealth|Philippine Commonwealth era]], the sports complex was used as a civic area and was the site where [[Manuel L. Quezon]] was named one of the presidential candidates in the [[1935 Philippine presidential election|1935 elections]].<ref name="heritageathletes" /><ref name="take" /> It was destroyed during the [[Battle of Manila (1945)|Battle of Manila]] of [[World War II]], and reconstructed in 1953<ref name="heritageathletes" /> (although the baseball stadium reopened in January 1946 after the floodlights was repaired.<ref>{{cite news|title=Night Baseball in the Philippines|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xmEKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EksDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2321%2C4764460|access-date=20 September 2019|newspaper=Ellensburg Daily Record|date=26 December 1945}}</ref>) for use in the [[1954 Asian Games]].<ref name="heritageathletes" /><ref name="take">{{cite news|last1=Villalon|first1=Augusto|title=Take that, Erap: Monsour, Olympians oppose Rizal Memorial demolition|url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/257099/take-erap-monsour-olympians-oppose-rizal-memorial-demolition/|access-date=13 March 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=13 March 2017}}</ref>

Baseball legends [[Lou Gehrig]] and [[Babe Ruth]] once hit their first and second home runs ever, respectively, in the exhibition game held at the newly built [[Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium]] on December 2, 1934.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacificfriendshipbaseball.org.au/aboutcountry_philippines.htm |title=About the Philippines |website=NSWJBL Touring Team Programme |publisher=NSW Junior Baseball League |access-date=18 September 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520025043/http://www.pacificfriendshipbaseball.org.au/aboutcountry_philippines.htm |archive-date=20 May 2013 }}</ref>

[[The Beatles]] held [[The Beatles' 1966 tour of Germany, Japan and the Philippines#Philippines|their infamous, two sold-out concerts]] in the Philippines on July 4, 1966, at the [[Rizal Memorial Stadium]]. The combined attendance was 80,000, with the evening concert registering 50,000 paying audience and became the Beatles' second largest concert ever.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://beatlesnumber9.com/manila.html |work=BeatlesNumber9.com |title=A Hard Day's Night in Manila |access-date=16 September 2019}}</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 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|work=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 group of Razon had expressed interest for the proposed urban redevelopment and modernization of the RMSC. 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|work=Rappler|last=dela Paz|first=Charisse|date=December 6, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref> The PSC had reportedly planned to be transferred the facilities in the proposed Philippine Sports City (now named [[New Clark City Sports Hub]]) located in [[New Clark City]], Capas, Tarlac.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/metro/2016/12/07/1651044/razon-revives-offer-redevelop-rizal-sports-complex|title=Razon revives offer to redevelop Rizal sports complex|work=The Philippine Star|author1=Gonzales, Iris |author2=Macairan, Evelyn |date=December 7, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref> The move was criticized by various heritage groups and athletes, even including de las Alas' surviving daughters<ref name="rizalbuilder" /> 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|work=ABS-CBN News|date=December 3, 2016|access-date=December 7, 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" />

In April 2017, the sports complex was declared 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 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|newspaper=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 (under the succeeding 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>

On June 27, 2019, PSC announced that the complex will be undergo renovation for the [[2019 Southeast Asian Games]],<ref name="finishrenovations">{{cite news |last1=Go |first1=Beatrice |title=2019 SEA Games: Rizal Memorial, Philsports to finish renovations in October |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/specials/sea-games/234055-rizal-memorial-philsports-renovations-to-finish-by-october-2019 |work=Rappler|access-date=16 September 2019 |date=27 June 2019}}</ref> after [[PAGCOR]] donated {{Philippine peso|842.5 million}} pesos to the PSC for the renovation of the complex in April 2019.<ref name="willitbeat" /> Renovation work 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> Unlike the previous renovations which were minor,<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=16 September 2019 |work=ABS-CBN News|date=12 September 2019}}</ref> the complex will have its major makeover for the first time since the rebuilding of the complex in 1953, with the coliseum restoring to its original look, and the addition of new installments to fit with international standards.<ref name="willitbeat" /><ref name="venuestoserve">{{cite web |title=Venues to serve Philippine sports beyond 30th Southeast Asian Games |url=https://www.spin.ph/multisport/sea-games/venues-to-serve-philippine-sports-beyond-a1373-20190901 |website=Spin.ph |access-date=16 September 2019 |date=1 September 2019}}</ref> The renovation of the facilities inside the complex will not only used for the SEA Games, it will also used to host both future local and international tournaments from various sports and it can become home again of the UAAP, NCAA, and the PBA.<ref name="rizalphilsportswhite">{{cite news |last1=Navarro |first1=June |title=Rizal, PhilSports won't be white elephants |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/370502/rizal-philsports-wont-be-white-elephants |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=20 October 2019 |date=20 October 2019}}</ref> Proceeds from rentals would be used by the PSC to address the needs of the Filipino athletes.<ref name="rizalphilsportswhite" />

The complex was converted to a quarantine facility during the [[2020 coronavirus pandemic in Metro Manila|coronavirus pandemic]]. It housed patients from the [[Philippine General Hospital]] who have mild symptoms.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/04/05/20/rizal-memorial-to-be-operational-as-quarantine-facility-by-monday|title=Rizal Memorial to be operational as quarantine facility by Monday|work=ABS-CBN News|language=en|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref>

==Notable events==
*[[Far Eastern Championship Games]] ([[1913 Far Eastern Games|1913]], [[1919 Far Eastern Games|1919]], [[1925 Far Eastern Games|1925]], [[1934 Far Eastern Games|1934]])
*[[1954 Asian Games]]
*[[Southeast Asian Games]] ([[1981 Southeast Asian Games|1981]], [[1991 Southeast Asian Games|1991]], [[2005 Southeast Asian Games|2005]], [[2019 Southeast Asian Games|2019]])
*[[2005 ASEAN Para Games]]
*[[2006 Asian Women's Club Volleyball Championship]]

==Facilities==
===Sports venues===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!style="width:25%;"|Venue
!Purpose
!Seating capacity
!Year built
!Notes
|-
|Gymnastics Hall || Gymnastics venue || – || – ||
|-
|Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Gym || [[Olympic weightlifting|Weightlifting]] venue || – || – ||
|-
|[[Ninoy Aquino Stadium]]<br>(PSC Multipurpose Gym) || Multi-use || 6,000 || – || Formerly an open-air stadium which was converted to an indoor arena.
|-
|Philippine Taekwondo Association Dojang || [[Taekwondo]] venue || – || – ||
|-
|PSC Badminton Hall || [[Badminton]] venue || – || – ||
|-
|PSC Bowling Center || [[Bowling]] venue || – || – ||
|-
|Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool || [[Aquatic sports]] venue || – || 1934 || 
|-
|[[Rizal Memorial Coliseum]] || Multi-use || 6,100 || 1934 || Formerly the Rizal Memorial Tennis Stadium which was converted to an indoor arena.
|-
|[[Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium]] || Baseball venue || 10,000 || 1934 ||Former ballpark of the [[Muntinlupa Mariners]]<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2008-11-08 |title=Baseball Phils IV: Muntinlupa rallies, edges Dumaguete in 10 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/content/132339/baseball-phils-iv-muntinlupa-rallies-edges-dumaguete-in-10/story/ |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|[[Rizal Memorial Stadium]] || Multi-use, primarily football || 12,873 || 1934 || The track oval was renamed Simeon Toribio Track Stadium in 2021.
|-
|Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Court || [[Tennis]] venue || – || – ||
|-
|Rizal Memorial Squash Court<ref name="squashdown">{{cite news |last1=Henson |first1=Joaquin |title=Squash down to five events |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/10/31/1964839/squash-down-five-events |access-date=1 November 2019 |work=The Philippine Star|date=31 October 2019}}</ref> ||[[Squash (sport)|Squash]] venue || – || ''under construction'' || Situated between the Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Set to hosts the only jumbo doubles squash courts in the Philippines.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Henson |first1=Joaquin |title=Squash events in peril for SEA Games |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/10/03/1957035/squash-events-peril-sea-games |access-date=1 November 2019 |work=The Philippine Star|date=3 October 2019}}</ref> Construction delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Squash: After making gains at SEA Games, nat'l team sees virus kill its momentum |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/09/20/squash-after-making-gains-at-sea-games-natl-team-sees-virus-kill-its-momentum |access-date=11 June 2020 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=9 June 2020}}</ref>
|-
|}

===Other===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Facility
!Purpose
!Year Built
!Notes
|-
|PSC Administration Building || Office || ||
|-
|Philippine Center for Sports Medicine || Office || ||
|-
|[[Taekwondo in the Philippines|Philippine Taekwondo Association Main Office]] || Office || ||
|-
|National Athletes and Coaches Lounge || || ||
|-
|Athlete's Dormitory || Residence || ''Under-construction'' || <ref name="dorm">{{cite news |last1=Terrado |first1=Reuben |title=Seven-storey athletes' dorm set to rise inside Rizal Memorial |url=https://www.spin.ph/multisport/seven-storey-athletes-dormitory-set-to-rise-inside-rizal-memorial-a795-20240913 |access-date=13 September 2024 |work=Sports Interactive Network Philippines |date=13 September 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
|}

===Former===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!style="width:25%;"|Venue
!Purpose
!Year built
!Notes
|-
|PSC-ABAP Boxing Gym || Boxing venue || – ||rowspan=2| Demolished by 2024 for the Athletes' Dormitory<ref name="dorm"/>
|-
|Pencak Silat Gym || [[Pencak silat]] || – 
|-
|}

==Gallery==
{| style="margin: 1em auto;"
|<gallery class="center" mode="packed" heights="150" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%">

Vito Cruz District Malate (Metro Manila; 2023-08-03) 14.jpg|PSC-ABAP Boxing Gym
Vito Cruz District Malate (Metro Manila; 2023-08-03) 03.jpg|Rizal Memorial Swimming Pool
Vito Cruz District Malate (Metro Manila; 2023-08-03) 13.jpg|Pencak Silat Gym
Vito Cruz District Malate (Metro Manila; 2023-08-03) 19.jpg|Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium
Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium (Malate, Manila; 11-23-2019).jpg|Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium
Malate (Metro Manila; 2023-08-03) 33.jpg|National Athletes and Coaches Lounge
Malate (Metro Manila; 2023-08-03) 19.jpg|Rizal Memorial Tennis Center
</gallery>
|}

==See also==
*[[New Clark City Sports Hub]]
*[[PhilSports Complex]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.psc.gov.ph Philippine Sports Commission]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071007145820/http://www.psc.gov.ph/psc_contck_locate.htm Map of the RMSC]

{{Sports venues in the Greater Manila Area}}

[[Category:Venues of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Manila]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Malate, Manila]]
[[Category:Sports in Manila]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Manila]]
[[Category:Art Deco architecture in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Taekwondo venues]]
[[Category:National Historical Landmarks of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Sports complexes in the Philippines]]