Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Guide: Events, How to Get There & Tickets
The Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila is the oldest major indoor arena in the country and a piece of Philippine sporting history in its own right. Part of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, it opened in 1934 for the Far Eastern Games and has been in near-continuous use since — for boxing, basketball, volleyball, and, over the decades, a long list of concerts.
It seats around 7,000, which puts it in a useful middle ground: bigger than a theatre, far more intimate than MOA Arena or the Big Dome. For collegiate basketball and volleyball, that intimacy is the whole appeal.
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Quick facts
| Address | Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Pablo Ocampo Sr. St, Malate, Manila |
| Opened | 1934 |
| Capacity | ~7,000 |
| Complex | Also holds the Rizal Memorial Stadium, track, and swimming centre |
| Known for | Boxing, UAAP and NCAA basketball and volleyball, concerts |
How to get there
The coliseum's location is its strongest practical feature — it is one of the few major venues in Metro Manila you can genuinely reach on foot from a train.
- By train — LRT-1 Vito Cruz Station is a short walk away, five to ten minutes. This is by far the easiest approach and avoids Taft Avenue traffic entirely.
- By bus or jeepney — routes along Taft Avenue and Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street stop nearby.
- By car — enter from Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street (formerly Vito Cruz) or Adriatico Street. Malate traffic is heavy on game nights and parking within the complex is limited.
- By Grab or taxi — pin the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex; the coliseum is one building within it.
Parking
Parking inside the complex is limited and fills quickly for a well-attended UAAP or NCAA game. Nearby paid lots and street parking in Malate absorb the overflow, but neither is plentiful. Given LRT-1 stops five minutes away, the train is the recommendation here more strongly than at any other major venue.
What it is like inside
The building is a heritage structure and it feels like one. The concourse is narrow, the concrete is old, and the amenities are basic compared with anything built this century. What you get in exchange is a genuinely tight, loud bowl — at 7,000 capacity with steep seating, a full house for a UAAP game generates an atmosphere the big arenas cannot reproduce.
| Tier | Roughly where | Typical band | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courtside / Patron | Floor level, nearest the action | ₱500–₱2,000 | Very close in a room this size |
| Lower Box | First raised ring | ₱300–₱1,000 | The best balance of view and price |
| Upper Box | Second ring | ₱200–₱600 | Still close by arena standards |
| General Admission | Highest sections | ₱100–₱350 | Where the student sections are, and the noise |
Collegiate sports pricing is far below concert pricing — a UAAP ticket is one of the better value nights out in Manila.
Bag policy and what to bring
Bag inspection at the gates is standard. No outside food or drink, no professional cameras or tripods, small bags only. Two things specific to this venue: ventilation is not up to modern standards, so dress lightly, and bring cash — concessions and nearby vendors are cash-first.
For big games, arrive early. Seating in general admission is unreserved and the good sections fill well before tip-off.
Nearby
You are in Malate, which means food is not a problem. Adriatico Street and the surrounding blocks have everything from cheap eats to long-standing restaurants, and Manila Bay is a short walk west if you want the sunset before an evening game.
FAQ
How many people does Rizal Memorial Coliseum hold? Around 7,000.
What is the nearest train station? LRT-1 Vito Cruz, a five to ten minute walk.
Is it air-conditioned? Ventilation is limited compared with modern arenas. Dress for warmth in a full house.
Is parking available? Limited within the complex, with some paid lots nearby. The train is the better option.
What events are held there? Mostly UAAP and NCAA basketball and volleyball, boxing, and occasional concerts.
How old is the coliseum? It opened in 1934 for the Far Eastern Games, making it the oldest major indoor arena in the Philippines.
Are tickets cheap? For collegiate sports, yes — general admission is often a few hundred pesos.
Last verified: August 2026. Ticket prices and gate rules are set per event — confirm with the organising league before you travel.
See upcoming basketball, events in Manila, or the full Metro Manila concert venues guide.