CONSTRUCTION of the extension of the big grandstand at the Baguio Athletic Bowl starts this week.

The P49 million improvement from the Department of Public Works and Highways is part of the P513 million for the athletic bowl complex improvement.

Aside from the big grandstand extension, other projects slated at the city’s sports complex include the P19 million upgrade of the old wooden bleachers and the P445 million youth convergence and sports center from city coffers.

City sports coordinator Gaudencio Gonzales said according to DPWH, the extension of the big grandstand would include construction of athlete’s locker rooms, shower, and gym and installation of four 50-foot high light towers.

At 360 will be added to the grandstand’s capacity of 1,100 seats.

Two structures in the area will be removed to pave way for the projects -- the pay comfort room and the Philippine Army Reserve unit’s headquarters.

Aside from the extension of the grandstand, Gonzales said the city will also install sound system at the athletic bowl.

The fund used, Gonzales said came from the P3 million prize they got after topping the 2019 Batang Pinoy National Finals held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Earlier, City administrator Bonifacio dela Peña said the dilapidated wooden bandstand was also up for rehabilitation and would house more offices and athletes’ amenities.

Dela Peña added the youth convergence and sports center building project would start by the middle of the year.

“We are just completing the terms of reference,” dela Peña said, referring to the release of funds by the city which will be done in two tranches -- P200 million for this year and P245 million for next year.

Dela Peña said the four-story building will house parking spaces on the first floor and the Sangguniang Kabataan office on the second floor which will be used as a youth center.

The third and fourth floors will be used as gyms, basketball, and volleyball courts, and a six-lane bowling facility and the topmost floor would be an open space for events.