The Ferdinand E Marcos (FEM) Stadium, designed by WTA Architecture and Design Studio, is a 12,000-capacity track and field facility located at the heart of Laoag City, Philippines. Positioned next to the Mariano Marcos State University and across from Rizal Park, the stadium serves as a centrepiece for the city’s social and recreational activities. The stadium’s open southern end features an amphitheatre and a sloping lawn, connecting directly to Rizal Park. This design enhances accessibility and expands the city’s public open space by 200 per cent, creating a multifunctional destination for everyday use.
The transformation of the stadium revitalises the city’s urban core. Once a decayed and underutilised space, it now serves as a hub for sports, leisure, and cultural activities. The eastern side, formerly a roadway, has been reimagined as a pedestrian promenade linking the university with the stadium.
Architecturally, the FEM Stadium boasts clean and minimalist geometry. Its open-bowl design is defined by corrugated PVC exterior walls and a canopy that echoes the corrugated metal roofs common in local homes. Steel columns curve and taper into the canopy rafters, creating a visually striking yet structurally efficient framework. This design reflects modern engineering while resonating with the cultural language of the region.
A unique feature of the stadium is its facade, inspired by the Ilokano Abel fabric. This traditional textile, integral to the Ilokano life cycle, is symbolically represented through the ‘Binakol’ or whirlwind pattern. The interlocking geometric patterns create a traditional optical illusion symbolising ocean waves and offering protection against malevolent spirits. This homage to cultural heritage establishes a meaningful connection between the stadium and the community.
The FEM Stadium anchors a 12-hectare sports complex that includes the INSPIRE Sports Training Center, the Centennial Arena, an aquatics centre, and the INSPIRE Sports Education Facility. It supports Ilocos Norte’s sports tourism program while remaining a public sports facility accessible to all.
