Check out Rizal Memorial Football Stadium as it is readied for the Azkals-Sri Lanka home match

When I was informed that I was going to be the media officer for the Azkals' home match on July 3, I wasn't exactly elated. Because that meant (and I wasn't allowed by the PFF) to go to Sri Lanka. And I was supposed to go. I almost didn't take it but was prevailed upon by a couple of people to take it. So I've been going through bouts of dismay about this until today. The Local Organizing Committee held it's fourth meeting at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium today for a walk through. As soon as I entered the stadium (I only go here now for the UAAP track and field competition), I felt a wave of excitement envelop my body. And to think that the game is a couple of weeks away. I guess, it's being a part of this. So I took some pics (actually a lot) to show everyone how Rizal is looking these days. 

The above pic is from the Php200 seats and the view isn't all that bad! You have a great view of all the action from wherever you are except in certain areas near the stands where one's view can occasionally be obscured by a steel beam. But it's not bad at all. For those who will be sitting in the bleachers (Php 200 & 300), I advise you to -- if it's a sunny day -- to bring sunglasses. If it's raining -- raincoats not umbrellas because you will obstruct the view of those behind you.

The torch area that was first used for the 1991 Manila Southeast Asian Games. Below, me and colleagues Paul Zialcita and Ebong Joson. The two are with the Kaholeros. That is the area where the Kaholeros will be seated during the match. They'll be making the rounds of some TV talk shows in the next few days or weeks along with the LOC and Match Comm. Abangan!

Below is the corridor leading to the locker rooms for both teams. My gripe is the low ceiling entrances to the dugouts! Sorry, Neil, but you gotta really watch it lest you get knocked out by this. As you can see, the area has received a fresh coat of paint and is being cleaned up. It will look good come game day.

The grandstand seats used to be all cement benches but now, they have plastic seats. The yellow ones are the ones that cost 2K. The difference isn't that huge and it's not bad at all. And of course, the area will be cleaned up.

Take a gander at the water sprinklers. They water the pitch regularly and I did walk around it and I think it's great. As I understand it, DLSU took charge in the refurbishing of the pitch here. And I'll say they've done a great job with the field. 

This is the entrance leading to the grandstand area. Will have maps and other stuff sent to all media outfits in the next few days. And so that you all know where you will be seated. As I understand it, Adriatico and the adjacent streets will be closed on match day. There's be Soccer Mania, a side event, along the street for some of the related activities. More news on that, parking and shuttles in the next few days. Security will be very tight. PSG will be there as will regular cops and other plainclothes ones.

The clock. I know they've got a scoreboard ready for the match. We should see it days before the match. And regarding the television coverage, ABS CBN is using some eight cameras to cover the match! If Direk Abet has his way, he'll put up one on a nearby building too for a cool top view shot.

I took this about 530pm with the meeting done. I sat in the middle of the field to soak it all in. Lots of pleasant memories and feelings.

They're changing the old flags into new ones for the match. We do this right then we'll have another hosting. Please check us out here at Brew and in all media over the next few days for news on the upcoming match. And tickets too if ever. I do know the organizers are trying to come up with more seats. But before we all went home, Direk Abet came up with a terrific idea. We'll see if it bears some fruit.