Hey, chingus! There's a new potential venue for our favorite idols' concerts, and this time, it's a couple of hours away from the metro. Don't fret because we're here to give you some early tips on how to go around the newest venue slated for a K-pop musical act, the New Clark City Stadium.
ICYMI, K-pop boy group ENHYPEN announced their "Fate" world tour dates surely, Manila is part of it. Filo ENGENEs were quite surprised to know that ENHYPEN is set to be the first K-pop concert to be done at the New Clark City Stadium. Their Manila concert is slated for February 3, 2024—but as early as now, we're activating our ~*manifesting*~ powers by giving you all the details you'll surely need in preparing for Enha's concert next year.
What is New Clark City Stadium?
The New Clark City Stadium is one of the amenities established within the New Clark City Sports Complex. Spearheaded by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the sports complex was established in 2019. It successfully hosted some of the Southeast Asian Games 2019 events and continuously provided a safe space for athletes to train and compete.
How many individuals can the New Clark City Stadium accommodate?
The stadium is standing 270,000 square feet wide and it has a 20,000-seating capacity with a total of 21 rows. It has been nominated as one of the world's "Stadium of the Year." The New Clark City Stadium is the first-ever sports facility in the Philippines that has been certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) under the category Class 1.
Where is New Clark City Stadium located?
Despite its name as "New Clark City" it's technically not located in the province of Pampanga. The sports haven can be found in Capas, Tarlac, approximately 120 kilometers away from Manila, which is a two-hour drive. It is also about 30 minutes away from Clark City, Pampanga.
Decades ago, volcanic ashes of the Mount Pinatubo eruption covered the site where the stadium was built. This contributed to how the stadium was designed according to Mount Pinatubo's features, with its ringed roof designed to resemble a volcanic crater. An estimated 4,000 employees brought the remarkable vision for the stadium to life.
How to get to New Clark City Stadium?
Public utility vehicles have no direct access to New Clark City yet. But there are a lot of options on how you can arrive at the venue, even without a private car. Also, you'll have to keep in mind that wherever you're coming from, if you're commuting, your ultimate destination is the Capas Municipal Hall. It is where public tricycles that have access to New Clark City can be found.
From Metro Manila via Public Commute
OPTION 1:
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If you're from Metro Manila, you would know that all roads can lead you to Cubao, where most bus terminals traveling North are located. So you have to ride a bus in Cubao going to Capas, Tarlac, and let the bus conductor know that you will be alighting exactly at the Capas Municipal Hall. The ride will take you approximately two and a half hours. [Price: P160-300]
- Once you get to the Capas Municipal Hall, you can look for tricycles that can take you to the main entrance of New Clark City for about 15-20 minutes. By the way, locals also call New Clark City, Green City. [Price: P100-200]
OPTION 2:
- You can also ride a bus to Dau, Tarlac then alight at McArthurt Highway Dau. From there, hail a jeep going to Capas, Tarlac, and get off at either the Dominican College of Tarla or Santuario de San Nicolas de Tolentino where you can find tricycles going inside New Clark City.
- In Dau, some buses will also take you to Capas Municipal Hall. From Capas Municipal Hall, take a tricycle going to New Clark City.
Quick Tip: It's always better if you ask the bus conductor before taking the bus. You may also check the bus signage if you're going to Dau. They usually put "Dau" in front of the bus if they're passing through Dau. Not all buses going to Tarlac pass through Dau anymore.
From Clark International Airport (CRK)
If you're attending the concert via air travel, you might opt to direct your flight to Clark International Airport. The airport is just 30 minutes away from the stadium.
- You can hail the blue taxi or AVIS going to New Clark City. However, take note that this is quite expensive compared to other modes of transportation.
From Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA/MNL)
If you cannot book a flight going to CRK, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is still an option for you. There are still routes from NAIA going to New Clark City.
- Look for the point-to-point or P2P bus going to SM City Clark. You can opt to ride the Genesis P2P since it provides a direct route to Clark.
- At SM City Clark, look for their transport terminal. Ride a jeepney going to Dau Terminal.
- From Dau Terminal, take a bus bound for Capas, Tarlac, or exactly at Capas Municipal Hall. Make sure to ask first if it will pass through Capas, so you won't have a problem during your commute.
- From Capas Municipal Hall, take the tricycle going to New Clark City.
Via private car
If you have the option to drive or perhaps a carpool for the event, you can directly go to New Clark City without the need to pass through terminals. Just put "New Clark City" as your pin location for Google Maps or Waze and you're all set. The sports hub also has a parking space.
Via Shuttle
It is also a good option for you to be on the lookout for bus shuttles going to the venue. Sometimes, event organizers can now provide official bus shuttles for a concert. With this, you can go there smoothly and hassle-free. Plus, you can bond with fellow fans along the way.
Where can I stay in New Clark City?
There is a 525-room facility inside New Clark City called the Athletes' Village. It is usually open for reservations if there is a sports event inside the vicinity. However, as of October 2023, no announcement has been made if it will open to concert-goers by February 2024.
What you can do, once you get a concert ticket, is to book a room in a hotel near Capas Municipal Hall. And just in case the Athletes' Village opens its doors to concert-goers, we'll surely keep you in the loop!
Are there food stalls in New Clark City?
As of writing, there are no food stalls yet inside New Clark City. Perhaps, they will put up food & beverage stalls whenever there are events. But to give you an idea, two fast food chains can be accessed 15 minutes away from the area. It's better to pack some food if you're going to New Clark City. Baggage counters are said to be available as well inside.
Tips for a smooth concert experience at the New Clark City Stadium
Since New Clark City is a relatively new venue for us concert-goers, here are some reminders you would want to keep in mind as you prepare:
- Bring lots of water and food. Although we can expect that there will be stalls which will be selling bottled water or food during concert day, it's best to bring your own and bring lots of it. Stay hydrated as well!
- Bring cash. There are no ATMs or banks near New Clark City, as of writing. So it's best that you bring cash instead of putting it in your e-wallets, especially if you are commuting to the venue. For sure, most tricycle drivers do not accept payments via e-wallet.
- Bring an umbrella/cap/raincoat. Aside from your lightsticks, it's best to also bring your gear against the heat or sometimes the rain. Remember that the stadium is an open arena and no one can predict the weather for your concert day.
- Be on time. Since the venue is quite far from the metro and nearby transportation, be mindful of your time. You cannot risk being late to see your faves!
- Always ask. Do not hesitate to ask if you are unsure about something. New Clark City is a huge place and it'll be best that you ask people who are familiar with the place instead of getting lost around the area.
Hope you have the best concert experience at the New Clark City!
