A state-of-the-art sports facility would soon rise at the sprawling Batangas City Sports Complex to host local events and national sports competitions.

Mayor Beverley Rose Dimacuha and Batangas 5th District Representatives Mario Vittorio “Marvey” Mariño led city officials during the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Batangas City Grand Stadium on Thursday.

The occasion also saw the ceremonial “demolition” of the dilapidated grandstand to pave the way for the sports facility project which was approved by the City Council.

“Dala ito ng masidhing kagustuhan na makapagpatayo ng isang pasilidad na mamahalin at ipagmamalaki ng mga Batangueño (this is brought about by the need to construct a sports facility that Batangueños could be proud of),” Dimacuha said.

The city officials also unveiled the proposed design of the sports complex, which features a four-storey grandstand and a 24,900-square meter, eight-lane track and field oval.

The oval has enough areas for athletics and football games, while the grandstand with a floor area of 7,590 square meters, has an 8,000 seating capacity.

The grandstand’s second floor is devoted to a media conference room, exhibit area, multi-function hall and indoor training ground for athletes.

The third-floor facilities feature the sports commentators/announcers’ booth. The players’ sleeping quarters are located on the third and fourth floors, including a VIP viewing deck.

The sports complex also has a 2.49-hectare open space for road networks, parking spaces, security house, first aid clinic, and public toilets, among other facilities.

“We wish to provide our athletes the best facilities and training ground to groom them into well-trained players in both national and international competitions,” Dimacuha said. (PNA)