Expansion of Freedom Grandstand eyed
City Mayor Jerry Treñas asked the City Engineers Office (CEO) to check on the possibility of constructing a second floor for the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand to accommodate more spectators during Dinagyang festival.
Treñas's request was an offshoot of shortage of seats due to the reduction of judging areas. The chief executive also noted that the number of visitors coming to the city has tremendously increased. The rise in the tourist arrival could be attributed to the title copped by the Dinagyang as the best tourism event in the country.
At present, the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand could only accommodate some 2,000 people. The city has to build another stage fronting the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand to accommodate spectators who want to witness the competition at the judging area number one.
Foreign dignitaries, senators, congressmen, mayors and even stars prefer to stay at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
In previous years, the Grandstand underwent reconstruction to provide more seats for the visitors during the festival. Politicians likewise used the grandstand for their grand rallies.