The Blue Eagle Gym is set to undergo renovation, here's what's changing

The Blue Eagle Gym, one of the most iconic and recognizable facades in Ateneo de Manila University, will undergo much-needed renovation starting later this month and continuing into 2024.

The Blue Eagle Gym was opened in 1949, three years before the rest of Ateneo de Manila University moved from the Padre Faura campus. 

Then Rector of Ateneo de Manila Fr William F Masterson, SJ planned for the facility to be an alternative to the Rizal Memorial Coliseum for athletic competitions. This was a role that the gym became known for, even hosting games for professional sporting leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association—in its early years—and more recently the Premiere Volleyball League.

In addition, the storied gym also became the home of University events such as the Ateneo Grade School Baccalaureate Mass and the annual Cheer Rally.

But even as the Blue Eagle Gym has continued to host these important events—and as Ateneo de Manila University has grown around it—it has remained relatively unchanged for the over 70 years of its existence. 

What is changing with the Blue Eagle Gym?

The latest round of renovations to the Blue Eagle Gym will not be touching its iconic structure. However, the renovation will still bring many changes that will allow the gym to better serve the Ateneo community. These changes include the following:

• Better ventilation and acoustics – With the renovation, the new Blue Eagle Gym will feature upgraded ventilation—with full air conditioning—and better acoustics. This will allow the gym to accommodate a wider range of functions for the Ateneo Community, such as graduations, etc. in more comfort.  
• Additional basketball and volleyball courts – The new Blue Eagle gym will feature additional basketball and volleyball courts. This will allow more teams to train at the same time. These new courts are in addition to the main center court which can be used for big games.
• Improved training facilities for the teams – On top of the additional courts, the new Blue Eagle Gym will also have improved training areas that will allow other teams to train indoors, even during the rainy season. These include an indoor track available for all Ateneo athletes, students, staff, and even alumni.    
• Additional amenities – Beyond all the upgraded training facilities, the renovated Blue Eagle Gym will feature amenities such as a rehab room, multi-purpose training and functions rooms, a Hall of Fame wall, as well as a home dugout meant solely for Ateneo teams.    

How long will the renovation of the Blue Eagle Gym take?

The renovation of the Blue Eagle Gym is expected to take approximately one year from its start this September.

What will happen to the services and offices at the Blue Eagle Gym?

The University Athletics Office, College Athletics Office, and Athletes Study Hall will be moved to temporary areas on other facilities such as the Formation and Learning Center and University Residence Halls. All existing teams training inside BEG, are currently being relocated to other areas inside the campus.

For more information on these, you can get in touch with the University Athletics Office via email at uao@ateneo.edu. For concerns about college athletics, you can also email the Office of College Athletics at athletics.ls@ateneo.edu.