SM Prime joins City of Manila, PSC in Rizal Memorial transformation

Insider Spotlight

• The Philippine Sports Commission, City of Manila, and SM Prime have formalized a partnership to redevelop the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
• Plans include a pedestrian-friendly PSC Plaza and an elevated walkway connecting the sports complex to the redeveloped SM Harrison Plaza
• The redevelopment is targeted for completion ahead of the Philippines’ hosting of the 2027 Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games
  
  
  

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the City of Manila, and SM Prime Holdings Inc. have signed an agreement to transform the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex into a modern sports and lifestyle district while preserving its historic character.

PSC Chair Patrick Gregorio, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso and SM Prime Holdings Inc. president Jeffrey C. Lim formalized the partnership at Mall of Asia Square, setting the stage for coordinated redevelopment ahead of a major international youth sporting event.

‘Living symbol of sporting legacy’ 

Rizal Memorial is one of the Philippines’ most historically significant sporting venues. Its redevelopment combines government infrastructure investment, heritage conservation and private-sector urban development as Manila prepares to host the 2027 Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games.

“This is a defining moment for Philippine sports and heritage. The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is a living symbol of our nation’s sporting legacy,” Gregorio said in a press statement.

“Manila is honored to partner with the PSC and SM Prime in this transformative project. This is about more than infrastructure, it is about pride, identity, and preparing our capital to welcome our visitors in 2027,” Domagoso said.

What’s changing

The project will create the PSC Plaza across two lanes of Adriatico Street, converting the area into a walkable public pathway through a city ordinance and usufruct agreement.

An elevated walkway will also connect Rizal Memorial with the redeveloped SM Harrison Plaza, helping integrate the historic complex with a broader sports, retail and lifestyle district.

Heritage plans include relocating the P. Ocampo statue and developing a new Dr. Jose Rizal fencing monument, subject to approval from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

The private-sector play

SM Prime’s redevelopment of Harrison Plaza is expected to complement the sports complex upgrades and help create a more connected urban destination.

“Sports have always been a powerful force for people. It builds discipline, unity, and pride. As Rizal Memorial undergoes this transformation, SM Prime is committed to supporting events that bring athletes and communities together,’’ SM Prime chair Hans T. Sy said.

SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said the Harrison Plaza and Rizal Memorial projects are on track, with completion planned before the SEA Plus Youth Games in December 2027. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma