PH bares plan to build more accessible, Taylor Swift-ready stadium

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Clark International Airport and Corporation President and CEO Arrey Perez, during the #BuildBetterMore Infrastructure Forum at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac on Friday (July 12, 2024), bares that plans are underway for the construction of a stadium that will be able to host concerts of American pop star #TaylorSwift. (PNA photo by Kris Crismundo)

CAPAS, Tarlac – The Philippines on Friday bared its plan to construct a stadium more viable to host concerts of global superstars like Taylor Swift within Clark aviation complex.

Speaking at the “Build Better More” Infrastructure Forum at the New Clark City, Clark International Airport and Corp. (CIAC) President and CEO Arrey Perez said the entertainment and events center will be within “walking distance” from the Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

The entertainment center, a 40-hectare complex with an initial estimated cost of PHP32 billion, is eyed to be finished by 2028.

“It will take time, if you give us about six to nine months to process any proposal, and if the signing of that contract happens definitely next year and then the construction immediately starts by 2025, then you have two to three years to build this entertainment complex,” Perez said.

At least three proponents — one from Singapore, one from the United States, and a local company — are positioning to invest in the project, which will be in a Public-Private Partnership setup, according to the CIAC official.

He added that the conceptualization of the project started in November last year.

The planned stadium will have a seating capacity of 25,000 to 35,000, which according to Perez, is more ideal than a bigger 50,000-seat arena.

Swift’s Eras Tour skipped Manila last year in what could have been her third time performing in the country.

Asked if Swift will be the one to perform in its inauguration in 2028, the CIAC President said: “We will court her.”