Newly Renovated Cebu Coliseum Now Open

A New Lease of Life for Cebu's Iconic Coliseum

After over six decades, the Cebu Coliseum, a historic landmark in the heart of Cebu City, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The once worn and aged arena, much like a veteran athlete, now stands rejuvenated, thanks to a meticulous renovation project.

The proud colours of the University of Cebu (UC) - blue and yellow - now accent the walls of the Coliseum, a nod to its long-standing connection with the educational institution. The Lower Box now boasts brand-new yellow plastic chairs, with red chairs above and the Balcony freshly painted, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

The renovation project was initiated by former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, with Attorney Augusto Go, the visionary owner, and Maxwell Espina, his architect, spearheading the transformation from ruin to rebirth. The result is a Coliseum that can finally be said to be truly new.

The Coliseum has been the yearly home of the Cesafi (Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc.), where stars like June Mar Fajardo were discovered and Dondon Hontiveros cemented his legacy. It has also hosted PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) and MBA (Metro Basketball Association) games for many years.

One of the most notable boxing matches at the Coliseum was AJ Banal's loss to Rafael Concepcion on July 26, 2008. However, the Coliseum was not just a venue for sports. It was also the site of Gabriel "Flash" Elorde's victory over Terou Kosaka of Japan on Aug. 4, 1962, marking its inaugural event.

The renovated Coliseum now boasts modern amenities such as air conditioning units, with 16 large units and two "Big Ass fans" spinning from the ceiling. The "TICKETS" booth has been refurbished with wood paneling and yellow trim, and the entrance tiles have been polished.

Despite its grandeur, the Coliseum was found empty on a specific date, save for a few workers. However, this is set to change as the Cebu Coliseum blessing is scheduled for this Saturday, and on Sept. 13, the Cesafi will open its 25th season with Attorney Go as president.

Players will step onto a brand-new floor, fans will sit on new seats, and for the first time, players will see themselves on a giant Jumbotron during the Cesafi season. The Jumbotron, when lit up, is crystal-clear and dazzling, adding to the excitement of the games.

However, the Coliseum has not always been a picture of perfection. In March 2022, three months after typhoon Odette, large portions of the ceiling were missing, and sunlight streamed in. But the resilient Coliseum has bounced back, ready to continue its long-standing tradition of hosting memorable sporting events.

The renovated Cebu Coliseum stands as a testament to the power of restoration and the enduring spirit of Cebu City. It is a place where history meets modernity, tradition meets innovation, and where the city's athletes continue to make their mark.