Filoil Ecooil Centre

Filoil EcoOil Centre: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Metro Manila Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in the vibrant heart of San Juan City, Metro Manila, the Filoil EcoOil Centre stands as a beacon of Philippine sports, entertainment, and community life. Formerly known as the Filoil Flying V Arena and fondly called “The Arena in San Juan,” the venue has transformed through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking management into a symbol of sustainability and cultural significance. Its evolution is marked by eco-friendly initiatives, technological modernization, and a strong commitment to both national athletic development and community engagement.

Visiting the Filoil EcoOil Centre is more than just attending a sporting event or concert—it’s an opportunity to experience the energetic pulse of Metro Manila, explore nearby historical landmarks like the Pinaglabanan Shrine, and enjoy amenities designed for diverse audiences. This guide provides essential information on visiting hours, ticketing, transportation, event highlights, and nearby attractions to help you make the most of your visit.

For further insights into the Centre’s history, event schedules, and visitor tips, refer to reliable resources such as Tripomatic and Wikiwand.

Introduction
Historical Background and Evolution
Practical Visitor Information
Major Events and Unique Features
Facilities and Amenities
Community Impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected
References

Historical Background and Evolution

Origins and Early Development

Established in the early 2000s, the Filoil EcoOil Centre was designed to meet the demand for a modern, accessible indoor arena in southern Metro Manila. Quickly rising as a premier venue for collegiate basketball, volleyball, and other major leagues such as NCAA and UAAP, it became an integral part of the region’s sports landscape.

Transition to EcoOil Management

In 2020, EcoOil—a Filipino energy company with a focus on sustainability—took over naming rights and operations, ushering in significant upgrades. The introduction of solar energy, advanced waste management, and the mascot Ecolito signaled a renewed focus on environmental responsibility and community engagement.

Modernization and Community Engagement

Recent enhancements include solar panel installations, advanced air filtration, EV charging stations, and digital ticketing systems. The arena has served as a hub for public health campaigns, vaccination drives, youth sports development, and disaster response, maintaining strong ties with the local community and educational institutions.

Strategic partnerships, such as with PlayTime, have further elevated the Centre’s mission to support Filipino athletes and revolutionize sports entertainment (Malaya Business Insight).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

The Filoil EcoOil Centre is typically open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. However, hours may vary depending on scheduled events—some may extend into late evenings or operate 24 hours during special occasions. Always check the official website or social media channels for up-to-date schedules.

Ticketing

Price Range: PHP 150 to PHP 1,500, depending on the event and seating section.
Where to Purchase: Tickets can be secured online via authorized platforms like TicketMax, through the official website, or on-site at the box office during event days.
Tip: Buy tickets early for best seat selection and to avoid long queues (TicketMAX).

Directions and Transportation

Public Transport: Easily accessible by jeepneys, buses, and taxis within San Juan. The nearest MRT station is Santolan-Annapolis (MRT-3), about 2 km away.
By Car: Reachable via EDSA, Aurora Boulevard, and Ortigas Avenue. On-site parking is available but limited during peak events; additional parking can be found at nearby commercial complexes.
From UP Diliman: About 30 minutes by car or public transport (Spin.ph).

Accessibility

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): The arena features ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and designated seating. Staff are trained to assist guests with additional needs.

Major Events and Unique Features

Sporting Highlights

Basketball: Home to the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, hosting UAAP, NCAA, and other collegiate games (Wikipedia).
Volleyball: Hosts Premier Volleyball League (PVL), UAAP, NCAA, and Philippine Super Liga matches.
International Tournaments: Training venue for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

Community and Cultural Events

Concerts & Cultural Shows: The venue transforms for music performances, beauty pageants, and community celebrations.
Public Screenings: Free watch parties for Gilas Pilipinas and other major games, sometimes paired with health advocacy campaigns like #PullUpYourSocks (Manila Bulletin).
Annual Tournaments: NCAA All-Star Game, San Juan Mayor’s Cup, and more (Manila Bulletin).

Unique Features

Flexible Event Spaces: The arena’s design supports swift conversions for various event types.
VIP and Media Facilities: Private suites, press boxes, and hospitality areas for enhanced experiences.
Dining Options: Local and international food stalls, including Cooper’s Coffee Haus.
Sustainability Initiatives: Solar energy, EV charging, recycling programs, and green spaces.

Facilities and Amenities

Seating Capacity: 6,000 (sports) to 8,000 (concerts).
Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, designated seating, accessible restrooms.
Concessions: Food, beverage, and retail outlets throughout the arena.
Parking: On-site and nearby facilities; early arrival is recommended during major events.
Safety: Security personnel, bag checks, medical stations, and clear emergency exits.

Community Impact

The Centre has boosted San Juan’s economy by drawing visitors, supporting local businesses, and providing employment opportunities. Its central location and public transport links have made it a gathering place for students, families, and sports enthusiasts, while its ongoing programs for youth athlete development and social responsibility reinforce its role as a community pillar (Wikiwand; Spin.ph).