Philippines to build 'Taylor Swift concert-ready' stadium in Clark by 2028
The Clark International Airport and Corp. (CIAC) announced that it's eyeing to construct a stadium that can accommodate large concerts and performances from superstars such as Taylor Swift.
In an interview with reporters, CIAC President and chief executive officer Arrey Perez detailed that the stadium will be within "walking distance" from the Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga.
It's estimated to cost P32 billion to build and will measure around 40 hectares.
"When we had this vision to have the entertainment center sa Clark, we already did a lot of promotions, so market sensing, market visions, and we've gotten some interest," Perez said
He added that those who are willing to invest are a mix of both local and international companies, with one coming from Singapore, one from the US, and one from the Philippines.
"Some are willing to join forces together. And when it comes to this project, it's going to be a public-private partnership. It's a huge undertaking, it's forty hectares and more than P30 billion, so we will really need a partnership with the private sector to build the project," Perez stated.
He also stated that they are attempting to court Taylor to perform in the stadium for its inaugural when it's completed by 2028.
"Philippines has always been a music-loving industry, whenever there are international concerts, laging pumapatok, especially with Clark. Nandiyan 'yung airport, it's so easy to really watch when the facility is there," he said.
Apart from providing entertainment, Perez hopes that the stadium will also attract tourists to New Clark City.
"Clark really needs more attractions so we can really attract passengers and more airlines to go to the airport," he underscored.
He added, "Kasi ang aking mandate is to make sure that the airport will grow kasi Clark International Airport Corporation kami, so hindi 'yung entertainment ang business namin, but really, all these developments are meant to support the growth of the airport."
Mixed reactions from social media users
Social media users gave mixed reactions to the structure, with some looking at it on a positive note and highlighting it's about time for the Philippines to have a stadium that can cater to mega artists.
"As a Filipino, we’ve always needed a bigger stadium. Our current biggest stadium has a capacity of [55,000] and it is in the middle of nowhere in the southern part of our country where it’ll be harder to set up for sporting and music events. The country really does need bigger venues," the user said.
"This is okay. I mean, a Taylor Swift concert is a good benchmark for any big event, and backed up by recent experiences," another one posted. "If anything, existence of big venues will restore Pinoy sports and entertainment."
Others, however, were not in favor of the stadium's construction, noting there are more important matters that the Philippines should be focusing on.
"Not to be a hater or anything but the stadium is literally useless right now. Thousands of Filipinos are going through poverty, lack of education, homelessness, lack of job opportunities, etc, yet they invest in a stadium? We have bigger problems than needing a new stadium," one user noted.
Another one urged, "Swifties, please don't praise this as 'This is Taylor's impact or she's so important' 'cause as someone living in the Philippines, this is so embarrassing. Use those funds for more important infrastructure! Build more railways! Improve education! This should never be a priority, my goodness."
Taylor is currently performing around the world for her ongoing Eras Tour, which did not include the Philippines in her Southeast Asian stops. The tour commenced on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, United States, and is set to conclude on Dec. 8 this year in Vancouver, Canada.