Panaad Stadium expansion mulled

A possible expansion of the Panaad Stadium, in preparation for future international football competitions, is being considered after Manny Pangilinan, chairman of the PLDT and SMART Communications visited the site, Saturday.

Pangilinan said he will see what his companies can do to help expand the stadium with more seats to be added in the existing structure.

With Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo “Richie” Garcia, Pangilinan visited the Stadium to check the venue for the Feb. 9 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup 2012 Qualifiers Play-off match between the Philippines and Mongolia.

As one of the benefactors of the Azkals, Pangilinan recently turned over a P1 million check to the team during a courtesy visit at the Smart Communications head office in Makati City.

The team presented to Pangilinan a football signed by the Azkals as a token of appreciation for the Smart-PLDT Chairman’s support for the group.

Pangilinan, who was in Bacolod City over the weekend for the Game One showdown between his Talk ‘n Text team and San Miguel Beer in their best-of-seven final series in the PBA, said he will come back next month for the Azkals vs. Mongolia game.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday assured those who are coming to Bacolod for the AFC Challenge Cup game that hotels rooms are still available for their accommodations.

The mayor said he talked to one of the hotel owners in the city and was told that their hotels are not yet fully booked, contrary to reports being circulated that all the hotels in Bacolod are full.

The reports, he said were premature and might not be very positive for us since it might discourage others from booking for a trip to Bacolod, Leonardia said.

“Bacolod is ready in terms of accommodation and security. We know it is another event for Bacolod and when there are big events like this one, we are on alert,” Leonardia added.*NAB/CGS

Visayan Daily Star