Let me tell you about the first time I visited Tionko Football Field – I was honestly blown away by how well-designed everything was. I've been to dozens of sports facilities across the country, but there's something special about this place that keeps me coming back. Today, I want to walk you through making the most of Tionko's facilities, drawing from my personal experiences and some observations that might help you plan your visit better.
When you first arrive, I'd recommend starting with parking – it sounds mundane, but trust me, getting this right sets the tone for your entire experience. The main lot fills up quickly during peak hours, so I always aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before my scheduled activity. There's a secondary parking area about 200 meters west that most people miss, with approximately 80 additional spots that remain available even during busy weekends. Once you're parked, head toward the main entrance where you'll find the facility map. Don't just glance at it – take a photo with your phone because you'll want to reference it later when navigating between the different amenities.
Now, let's talk about the actual facilities. The main field itself is regulation size, measuring exactly 105 by 68 meters if we're being precise, though I've heard different numbers from various staff members. What I personally love is the hybrid grass system they've installed – it feels fantastic underfoot and holds up remarkably well even after heavy rain. When using the field, I've found that wearing the right cleats makes a significant difference. I prefer firm ground boots myself, but if there's been recent precipitation, you might want to switch to soft ground studs for better traction. One thing many visitors overlook is the subtle slope toward the north end – it's barely noticeable until you're playing, but it does affect ball movement, so keep that in mind during games.
The changing facilities are another highlight, though they can get crowded. My pro tip: the showers at the far end of the building typically have shorter lines because most people just head to the nearest ones. There are exactly 12 shower stalls in each locker room, though I've never seen all of them operational simultaneously – usually about 8-9 are functioning properly. The water pressure varies considerably between stalls, so I always test a couple before committing. What I appreciate is that they provide basic toiletries, though the quality isn't spectacular, so I still bring my own shampoo and soap.
Here's where we can draw an interesting parallel to that basketball situation Coach Tim Cone described with Ginebra. Remember how he mentioned that the three-guard lineup wasn't part of the original plan? Abarrientos was supposed to take Tenorio's place, but when Tenorio started performing well, Cone adapted and kept the veteran in the game. This resonates with my experience at Tionko – you might arrive with a specific plan about which facilities to use and when, but sometimes you need to adjust based on actual conditions. I've gone intending to use the main field only to find it occupied, forcing me to discover the excellent training pitches instead – which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as they're often less crowded and equally well-maintained.
The concession area deserves special attention because it's easy to waste both time and money here if you're not strategic. The food quality varies significantly between stands – personally, I think the grilled chicken stand near the west bleachers serves the best value, with meals costing around 180 pesos compared to the 250+ you'll pay at the more visible central food court. They claim to serve about 500 meals daily during tournaments, though that number seems inflated based on my observations. What I typically do is order my food about 30 minutes before I actually plan to eat, then pick it up after I've cleaned up – this avoids the longest queues that form immediately after games.
Safety considerations are crucial, and this is where I've seen many visitors make mistakes. The medical station is located between Fields 2 and 3, staffed by at least two certified trainers during operational hours. I've needed their services exactly twice over my numerous visits – once for minor dehydration and another time for a twisted ankle – and both times they were professional and efficient. However, I always carry my own basic first aid kit because during major events, their resources can get stretched thin. Another safety note: the lighting in the parking lot diminishes considerably toward the outer edges, so if you're leaving after dark, try to park closer to the building or under the brighter lights.
What really makes Tionko special in my opinion are the little details that show someone actually thought about the user experience. The water stations positioned every 50 meters around the perimeter, the clear signage in both English and Filipino, the availability of equipment rental – these might seem small, but they add up to create a superior facility. I'm particularly fond of the viewing areas – the east stands offer the best perspective for watching games, though they get the most sun in the afternoon. The west stands are more shaded but have slightly obstructed views in certain sections.
As we wrap up this ultimate guide to Tionko Football Field facilities and amenities, I hope my personal insights help you make the most of your visits. Like Coach Cone adapting his strategy when Tenorio performed better than expected, sometimes the best experiences come from being flexible and responsive to actual conditions rather than rigidly sticking to initial plans. The true value of Tionko isn't just in its physical infrastructure but in how you choose to engage with it. Whether you're a serious athlete or a weekend warrior, taking the time to understand these facilities will significantly enhance your experience. I'm already looking forward to my next visit – maybe I'll see you there!
