Panaad Stadium, located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, is one of the most important sports venues in the Philippines. Since it opened in 1998, it has played a big role in local and national sports. It started small, but today, it’s a proud symbol of growth and pride for the region.
Let’s look at how this stadium has helped change sports in the country over the past 25 years.
How It All Started
Panaad Stadium was built for the Panaad sa Negros Festival. The event celebrates culture, music, and local pride.
What made the stadium unique:
- Designed to host both sports and festivals
- Bacolod gained a bigger role in national events
- Local cities proved they could build major venues
The stadium became a place where sports and culture come together.
A Home for Football Growth
Soon after opening, the stadium was used for football. It became the home of Ceres-Negros FC, one of the top clubs in the Philippines.
How football grew at Panaad:
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Hosted AFC Cup and PFL games
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Gave young players in Bacolod a place to train
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Helped make football popular in Western Visayas
Panaad gave local players and fans a real stage to shine.
Hosting Big Events in the Provinces
Many national sports events used to happen only in Manila. But Panaad changed that.
Events held at the stadium:
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Palarong Pambansa (student games)
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WVRAA Meets (regional athletics)
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SEA Games football matches in 2005
These events brought athletes and fans to Negros Occidental, boosting local pride and the economy.
Improving the Stadium Over Time
As the stadium became more popular, it needed upgrades.
Main improvements made:
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More seating and covered grandstands
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Brighter lights for night games
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A better track for runners
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Clean and modern locker rooms
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Easier access for people with disabilities
These updates made the stadium safer, cleaner, and more comfortable.
Helping the Local Community
Panaad isn’t just a stadium. It also helps the people around it.
Ways it supports Bacolod and nearby towns:
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Brings jobs during events and repairs
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Boosts business for hotels and small vendors
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Attracts tourists during matches and festivals
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Builds pride in local sports and culture
Panaad has become a place where the community comes together.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Even after 25 years, the stadium is still growing. Local leaders plan to improve it even more.
Possible future upgrades:
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Smart lights and energy-saving tools
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Bigger training areas for athletes
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Digital scoreboards and fan screens
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More areas for food, shopping, and rest
These plans will help the stadium keep up with world-class venues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is Panaad Stadium?
It is in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, inside Panaad Park and Sports Complex, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
What is it known for?
For hosting football matches, student sports, and the Panaad sa Negros Festival.
Who played home games there?
Ceres-Negros FC, a top football team, used Panaad as their home stadium.
Is it open to the public?
Yes. Locals use it for jogging, events, and watching sports when there are no matches.
How has it helped Philippine sports?
It gave more chances to athletes outside Metro Manila and helped football grow in the provinces.
A Stadium That Changed the Game
Panaad Stadium has done more than just host matches. It has shaped lives, built dreams, and brought people together. It shows what a province can do when it believes in sports, culture, and community.
After 25 years, the stadium is still strong — and so is the spirit of the people who built it.