The KJC King Dome
In 2014, the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, stunned the world by becoming the largest indoor arena not just in the Philippines, but globally. Boasting a seating capacity of 55,000, it surpassed the Saitama Super Arena in Japan by 18,500 seats, setting a new benchmark in stadium engineering.
Yet, this record is poised to change. Enter the KJC King Dome in Davao City.
About the KJC King Dome
Set to dethrone the Philippine Arena, the KJC King Dome is an ambitious project under construction in Davao City. It’s expected to have seating for an impressive 75,000 spectators, marking it as the upcoming world’s largest indoor arena. The religious organization Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is spearheading this massive endeavor. Pastor Quiboloy, also a close friend of President Rodrigo Duterte, recently shared construction updates on his Facebook account.
Key Highlights:
- Location: The KJC King Dome is strategically situated along the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, Barangay Catitipan, Buhangin District, Davao City. Adjacently placed to the city’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport, the dome is nestled within the 18-hectare KJC compound. This compound is a significant part of the 26-hectare Kingdom Global City Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ), a designation by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
- Ownership: Groundbreaking on September 3, 2012, the King Dome is a brainchild of ACQ-Solomonic Builders Development Corporation, owned by Quiboloy’s KJC. The religious group, founded in 1985, boasts a membership of around seven million globally.
- Facilities: TIEZA envisions the Kingdom Global City as the “first world-class integrated leisure resort destination in Southern Philippines.” Apart from the colossal King Dome, the development will include a 150-room condominium-hotel, a museum, a hangar for air taxis, a water park, and a commercial center replete with restaurant and business spaces. The King Dome’s design will also incorporate a cathedral.
- Architecture: While reports suggest an Australian architectural firm’s involvement, Architect Manuel De Luna of the LPPA Design Group has identified himself as the principal architect. The building is set to span a footprint of 2.5 hectares with a total floor area of 4.5 hectares. Pastor Quiboloy indicated that the design would emulate the Staples Center in Los Angeles in certain aspects.
- Amenities: The arena will feature state-of-the-art facilities like 38 escalators, a centralized air conditioning system, a cube scoreboard, professional lighting, top-notch video equipment, and sound and projection systems to accommodate a 6,000-voice choir and a 250-piece orchestra.
- Budget: Initially estimated at P6 billion in 2012, the King Dome’s projected cost has surged to over P13 billion, primarily due to delays in construction and logistics challenges, especially with materials imported from Vietnam and China.
Purpose and Vision:
Echoing the role of the Philippine Arena for the Iglesia ni Cristo, the King Dome is envisioned to be a central assembly venue for KJC followers. However, Pastor Quiboloy, an avid sports enthusiast, envisions the dome as more than just a place of worship. The King Dome is also anticipated to host a range of events, from concerts to international gatherings and sports events, thereby enriching Davao City’s cultural and entertainment landscape.
As the construction of the King Dome progresses, it signifies more than just an architectural marvel; it represents the aspirations, faith, and vision of a community and a nation eager to make its mark on the global stage.
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