Quadricentennial Pavilion

The Quadricentennial Pavilion is a 5,792-seat multi-purpose gymnasium of the University of Santo Tomas located at the site of the former old Engineering Complex and adjacent football field in front of the Roque Ruaño Building.The Quadricentennial Pavilion is one of the building construction projects of the University for its celebration of 400th year of foundation in 2011. The new sports complex replaced the old UST Gymnasium which was built in 1933.HistorySince 1933, the university only had the old UST Gymnasium, which was considered then as the biggest gymnasium during its time, as venue to hold practices for its athletes, as well as to hold non-sporting events.In recent years, the student population increased to 40,000, prompting university officials to recognize the need for a new sporting facility within the campus.A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 29, 2008 after the Vatican gave its "blessing" to the project as UST is a pontifical university, directly under the supervision of the Holy See.The location of the sports complex lies on the former site of the Engineering Sports Complex that has an open field for softball and football, outdoor basketball courts, a tennis court, a covered basketball court with bleachers, and a canteen.It was originally named as the UST Sports Complex, but the Council of Regents announced on October 18, 2011 that the new building will be called the Quadricentennial Pavilion.Rev. Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, the former Rector of the University, described the then yet to be built facility as more than just a place for events and ceremonies as it will serve as a monument to "the unique and unparalleled holistic" sports development program of the university. The facility was planned to be the home of the UST varsity players and the Growling Tigers starting academic year of 2012.