University of Makati Stadium

University of Makati Stadium

Location	Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Owner	University of Makati
Operator	University of Makati
Capacity	3,295
Surface	Artificial turf
Tenants
United Football League (previously) Kaya F.C.–Makati (2017) United Makati (2019) Global Makati (previously) Davao Aguilas F.C. (sometimes)

The University of Makati Stadium, simply known as the UMak, is a football and track field stadium of the University of Makati located in Taguig, Philippines. The stadium, along with the rest of the university, is subject to ownership dispute between the cities of Makati and Taguig following the aftermath of the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that places the entirety of the Fort Bonifacio, including the Embo barangays, as an integral part of the City of Taguig.

Background

The stadium has hosted United Football League games as well as a friendly match of the Philippines national football team. ^[1] It also has hosted the National Capital Region F.A. Division 3 League. ^[2]

The stadium was assigned as the training ground of the Thailand national football team during the group stage of the 2016 AFF Championship. The Thai head coach criticized the hosts for the poor quality of the pitch before their very first game of the tournament and the long grass in the pitch had to be trimmed before the Thais began their training session. ^[3]

Kaya F.C.–Makati, who were set to participate in the inaugural edition of the Philippines Football League, announced in January 2017 that they have made the stadium as their home ground. ^[4] However, the following season they moved to Iloilo.

Facilities

UMak has a grandstand, light towers, and a rubberized track. The Philippine Rugby Football Union offered to install a drainage system to solve long-term pitch issues. ^[2] By October 2018, the surface has been converted to artificial grass. ^{[5] [6]}

References

1. Guerrero, Bob (March 3, 2016). "Why are we so bad at making football stadiums?". Rappler. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
2. Guerrero, Bob (November 6, 2012). "A closer look at our most unloved Football pitch". The Passionate Fan. Yahoo!. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
3. "Venue woes vex champs". Bangkok Post. Post Publishing PCL. November 18, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
4. "Kaya FC is now Kaya FC–Makati, makes UMak its home stadium | Kaya Futbol Club". Kaya Futbol Club. January 11, 2017. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
5. Guerrero, Bob (October 29, 2018). "Kaya Iloilo FC: Organizations win championships". Rappler. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
6. "Philippine Premier League launched as country's new top-tier club competition". ESPN5. January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2019.

14°33′49″N121°03′25″E / 14.56361°N 121.05694°E / 14.56361; 121.05694