Academic institutions worldwide provide diverse sports and recreational facilities to
promote student health, well-being, and athletic development, significantly
enhancing the educational experience and fostering a sense of community and
competitiveness among students. These facilities include outdoor fields and courts
for sports like football, cricket, rugby, and tennis, as well as multi-purpose fields
adaptable for various activities (Sports Facilities – HPB College, n.d.; Sports Facilities
– UPD Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, n.d.; PUP, n.d.). Indoor sports
infrastructure often consists of gyms, multipurpose halls for basketball, volleyball,
and weightlifting, as well as specialized spaces such as indoor swimming pools and
stadiums (Arabia-It, n.d.; Sports Facilities – Cavite State University, n.d.).
Additionally, universities integrate specialized features like climbing walls, game
rooms, and wellness centers to enhance student engagement (Academy, 2020). The
growing emphasis on sustainability and accessibility ensures that these facilities
cater to all students, including those with disabilities. Beyond recreational benefits,
sports infrastructure positively impacts academic performance, stress management,
and social interaction, creating an environment conducive to holistic student
development (Jurnal Unai, n.d.; Kheljournal, 2023). Moreover, high-quality sports
facilities contribute to a university’s prestige, attracting top athletes, increasing
student applications, and generating economic benefits through events and
sponsorships (PUPN Magazine, n.d.). Overall, sports infrastructure plays a pivotal
role in enriching student life, strengthening institutional reputation, and supporting
the balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
The University of La Salette in Santiago, Isabela, Philippines, lacks a dedicated
stadium, which presents challenges in hosting large-scale sports events, fostering
athletic development, and engaging the local community. While the university has
expanded its educational and physical infrastructure, the absence of a stadium
limits opportunities for athletes to train and compete professionally, affects student
participation in sports, and diminishes the institution’s visibility and reputation
(Concept3D, n.d.; University of Miami, 2023). Similarly, La Salette of Roxas College
faces constraints in sports facility development, with incomplete infrastructure
limiting its ability to host major athletic events. Universities without proper sports
facilities encounter financial constraints, logistical challenges, and governance
issues when organizing sports activities, necessitating strategic planning and
sustainable investment (Taylor & Francis, 2022; DLSU, 2017). The implementation of
a multi-functional sports facility at the University of La Salette could offer a cost-
effective solution, maximizing space efficiency while supporting various sports and
community activities. Such facilities are designed to accommodate different sports,
optimize infrastructure sharing, and promote physical activity, benefiting both
students and the broader community (Whirlix Design, n.d.; Sports Facilities, n.d.). By
addressing these challenges through sustainable infrastructure development, the
university can enhance student engagement, improve athlete performance, and
elevate its reputation within the region.
A multi-functional sports facility at the University of La Salette would provide
significant benefits to students, faculty, and university administration, while also
positively impacting the local community and institutional recognition. For students,
such a facility would promote physical activity, improve health, and foster a sense
of community through team sports and recreational engagement (Sports Facilities,
n.d.; Urban Sports Parks, n.d.). Faculty members would also benefit from improved
well-being and opportunities for community interaction (Sports Facilities, n.d.), while
the university administration could leverage the facility to enhance its reputation,
generate revenue through hosted events, and strengthen ties with the local
community (Avantage Sport, 2017; MDPI, 2023). Beyond the campus, the facility
could drive local economic growth by attracting visitors to sports events, boosting
businesses such as hotels and restaurants, and creating job opportunities (Pinas
Culture, n.d.). Additionally, providing accessible spaces for physical activity would
contribute to improved public health and foster a greater sense of community
(MDPI, 2023). The university itself would gain increased visibility and recognition
through hosting competitions and forming strategic partnerships with local
organizations, further solidifying its role as an educational and community leader
(KemperSports, 2023; Grand Slam Safety, n.d.). Ultimately, the development of a
multi-functional sports facility would enhance student and faculty engagement,
strengthen university-community relations, and improve the institution’s prestige
and financial stability.
The design and development of a stadium for the University of La Salette should
prioritize feasibility, sustainability, functionality, and long-term benefits to enhance
student experience, athletic programs, and community engagement. The stadium
should be multi-functional, accommodating various sports and cultural events while
integrating sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems and rainwater
harvesting to minimize environmental impact (Inside FIFA, n.d.). Accessibility is also
essential, ensuring that the facility is inclusive for all users through ramps,
elevators, and designated seating areas (University of Minnesota, n.d.). A phased
development process—including predesign, schematic design, detailed design, and
construction documentation—would ensure compliance with zoning laws, safety
standards, and financial feasibility (Inside FIFA, n.d.). The stadium would provide
numerous benefits, such as fostering student engagement, supporting athletic
growth, and enhancing the university’s reputation by hosting events and
competitions (Feasibility Study for Grünwalder Stadion, n.d.). Additionally, it would
serve as a community hub, driving local economic growth through job creation and
increased business activity while strengthening partnerships with local
organizations (University of Minnesota, n.d.). To secure funding, the university could
explore government grants, private sponsorships, and revenue streams from ticket
sales and facility rentals (University of Minnesota, n.d.). By addressing these key
aspects, the stadium would become a vital asset for the university, ensuring long-
term sustainability and maximizing its impact on both the academic institution and
the local community.
