For many years, Bacolod City has dreamed of having a world-class arena that can host large sporting events, concerts, and major gatherings. That dream began with an ambitious plan connected to the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, but over time the project evolved into what is now known as the Bacolod MassKara Coliseum.
Today, the coliseum remains one of the most anticipated infrastructure projects in the City of Smiles.
The Original Vision: Bacolod City Arena
The idea for a major sports arena in Bacolod first gained attention when the Philippines submitted a bid to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The local government hoped Bacolod could be one of the venues for the international tournament if the country won the hosting rights.
At that time, plans were made for a Bacolod City Arena to be built on reclaimed land owned by the city government. The Bacolod City Government had acquired around 8 hectares (20 acres) of land from the Philippine Reclamation Authority. This land was part of the authority’s share in a reclamation project with Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (BREDCO) and was valued at around ₱600 million.
The plan was to develop the arena through a public-private partnership, allowing private investors to help fund and build the project. In fact, by August 2015, a businessman had already expressed interest and pledged support to build the arena on the city-owned property.
If the Philippines had successfully secured the hosting rights for the 2019 FIBA World Cup, construction of the Bacolod City Arena was expected to begin between 2016 and 2017.
However, things did not go as planned.
When the FIBA Dream Ended
Unfortunately, the Philippines lost its bid to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup to China. With the international event no longer on the horizon, the urgency to build the arena slowly faded.
Soon after, the project faced another setback.
Following the defeat of then-Mayor Monico Puentevella in the local elections, the original Bacolod City Arena project was eventually mothballed. The next administration decided to pursue a different approach to building a large arena for the city.
The Birth of the Bacolod MassKara Coliseum
Under the leadership of former Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the city government proposed a new project known as the Bacolod MassKara Coliseum.
Instead of the reclaimed BREDCO area, the new coliseum would be constructed in Barangay Alijis (now associated with the Tangub area) along the Alijis Circumferential Road. The location offers a scenic backdrop of the Canlandog Murcia-Silay mountain range, making it a promising site for a modern sports and events complex.
The project gained further support through the legislative efforts of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri in 2018.
The coliseum complex was designed by Manila-based LG+V Architect/Planners, a firm known for planning large-scale infrastructure projects.
Funding and Construction
In 2019, the city government allocated ₱800 million for the construction of the Bacolod MassKara Coliseum. The funding came from a ₱1.7-billion loan secured from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), which was intended to support several infrastructure projects in Bacolod.
The planned coliseum was designed to be a modern, air-conditioned indoor arena capable of accommodating around 10,000 to 12,000 spectators.
Aside from the main arena, the development plan also includes several additional facilities, such as:
-
A multipurpose museum
-
An 800-seat amphitheater
-
Other support buildings within the complex
The structures are designed as two-story buildings to maximize the use of space while providing modern amenities for visitors and event organizers.
The project also received an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau, confirming that it meets environmental regulations.
Land Donation for the Project
The coliseum complex is part of a larger 8.8-hectare property donated by the Yanson family to the Bacolod City Government.
This donation played a significant role in making the project possible. Aside from the coliseum and museum, the area is also planned to host a future southbound transport terminal, which could improve transportation access for travelers and commuters.
With multiple facilities planned within the same area, the location is envisioned to become an important development hub for the southern part of Bacolod City.
Public Concerns and Anticipation
Despite the progress reported by the city government, many Bacolod residents are still curious about when the coliseum will finally open.
For years, people have been hearing about the project, and the community is eager to see the arena completed and fully operational. The coliseum is expected to host major sports competitions, concerts, cultural shows, conventions, and city events.
If finished as planned, the Bacolod MassKara Coliseum could become one of the largest indoor venues in Western Visayas, strengthening Bacolod’s reputation as a growing hub for tourism, entertainment, and sports.
For now, residents continue to watch the construction with anticipation, hoping that the long-awaited arena will soon become a reality for the City of Smiles.
0 Comments