What are the most significant past events at Rizal Memorial Stadium?

Rizal Memorial Stadium hosted major events in Philippine sports and entertainment history. These include international football friendlies, SEA Games matches, and large-scale concerts with regional and global artists. The stadium’s event timeline spans over 80 years.

Historical Highlights (Chronological Snapshot)

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Which historical matches were hosted at Rizal Stadium?

Rizal Stadium hosted matches for major tournaments:

• SEA Games: Football finals and qualifiers since 1981

• AFF Suzuki Cup: Multiple Philippine team games (e.g., 2010, 2022)

• FIFA qualifiers: Friendly and competitive matches against regional teams

• PFF League Games: Domestic football league finals

These matches contributed to the event history of Manila, cementing the stadium as a football hub in the Philippines.

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Which concerts took place at Rizal Memorial Stadium?

The stadium hosted past concerts that drew national and international attention:

• Eraserheads Reunion Concert (2010) – National rock legends

• K-pop Super Concerts (2013–2017) – Included Super Junior, EXO

• Apl.de.ap Foundation Charity Show (2015) – Featured international acts

These large-scale music events attracted over 300,000 attendees combined.

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What sports other than football were played here?

Rizal Stadium supported other hosted games in:

• Track and Field – Official athletics venue of the SEA Games

• Rugby – Matches by the Philippine national team “Philippine Volcanoes”

• Baseball (formerly) – Before renovation, the complex included a baseball diamond

These hosted events expanded the venue’s multi-sport identity in Metro Manila.

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Why is Rizal Memorial Stadium historically important?

Rizal Stadium is Manila’s oldest multi-use stadium, inaugurated in 1934. It served as:

• A wartime landmark during WWII occupation

• The flagship stadium for pre-MOA and pre-Arena eras

• A centerpiece for national identity events

The site contributes to Manila’s sports and culture narrative.

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How has Rizal Stadium evolved over time?

The stadium underwent upgrades to match global standards:

• 2011: Turf and seating renovation

• 2019: SEA Games-ready overhaul (P900 million budget)

• 2023: New digital scoreboard and improved lighting systems

These upgrades reinforced its role in hosting future large-scale events in the Philippines.

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Which international teams have played here?

International teams hosted in Rizal Stadium include:

• Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand – AFF Suzuki Cup rounds

• Azkals vs Malaysia (2012) – Noted for 15,000 live attendance

• Singapore and Myanmar – Friendly and competitive ties

These games boosted football tourism in Manila.

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What makes Rizal Stadium unique among Philippine venues?

Rizal Memorial Stadium:

• Has hosted more historical matches than any other stadium in the country

• Is part of a larger sports complex managed by the Philippine Sports Commission

• Is centrally located in Malate, Manila, with strong transport links

Its central role in event history Manila makes it a national sports icon.

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What are examples of key events to discover?

Use this list to discover historic events hosted at the stadium:

• 1934: Inaugural Far Eastern Games

• 1954: Asian Games segment

  

• 2010: Historic Eraserheads concert

• 2019: Re-opening with SEA Games ceremonies

• 2022: Comeback of the Azkals at AFF Cup

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Summary of Past Events at Rizal Stadium