Staying fit and active is a huge part of college life. At De La Salle University, the absolute heart of student fitness and athletic training is the Enrique M Razon Sports Center. This massive ten-story building stands proudly on the corner of Fidel Reyes Street and Noli Street in Manila. Widely known among students simply as “Razon,” it is a bustling tower where green and white pride comes alive. Whether you are a varsity athlete training for a championship or a regular student trying to pass your physical education class, this facility offers everything you need to break a sweat and build a strong body.
Stepping into this towering athletic complex feels inspiring. You can instantly hear the squeak of sneakers on shiny basketball courts, the echoing splashes from the swimming pool, and the rhythmic thumping of runners on the track. It serves as a second home for thousands of Lasallians every single week. Let us take an in-depth tour of the enrique m razon sports center to see why it remains one of the finest university sports hubs in the entire country.
The History of a Landmark Campus Tower
Every great building has an interesting backstory, and this sports hub is no exception. When the ten-story structure first opened its doors in 1998, it was not called the enrique m razon sports center. Instead, it was originally named the Br. Athanasius Sports Complex to honor a former university president. The original sports facilities used to sit where Yuchengco Hall stands today before being moved to this modern corner.
The name changed completely in February 2003 because of a massive, generous donation from billionaire business magnate Enrique Razon Jr. He gave 50 million pesos to boost the university’s sports development programs. To show deep gratitude, De La Salle University renamed the building after his father, Enrique M. Razon Sr., who was a legendary La Salle athlete and alumnus. This historic gift ensured that generations of students would have world-class equipment to chase their athletic dreams.
Step Inside the Grand Ten Story Layout
Navigating a ten-story sports building can feel like an adventure. The enrique m razon sports center uses its vertical space beautifully to fit an incredible variety of features. To make life easier for students who drive to school, the building dedicates three full floors entirely to parking spaces. This keeps the surrounding Manila streets much clearer.
Above the parking levels, the building transforms into a pure fitness and cultural paradise. Each floor serves a specific purpose, ranging from heavy weightlifting zones to quiet spaces meant for artistic expression. Having all these diverse facilities under one roof means you never have to leave campus to get a complete workout or practice your hobbies.
Diving into the Ground Floor Olympic Sized Pool
The ground floor of the enrique m razon sports center houses one of its most stunning features: a magnificent Olympic-sized swimming pool. The crystal-clear water is always inviting, making it the perfect training ground for the DLSU swimming teams. It is a highly active space where swimmers work hard to shave seconds off their lap times.
Regular students also get to enjoy this beautiful pool during specific physical education classes. Learning to swim in a proper, regulation-sized pool is an amazing experience that helps students build incredible cardiovascular endurance. The pool area features wide bleachers where fans can sit, cheer, and watch exciting swim meets during the school year.
Pounding the Rubber Oval Track for Cardio
If you love running but hate the unpredictable Manila weather, the indoor rubber oval track at the enrique m razon sports center is a dream come true. This elevated track gives runners a smooth, cushioned surface that is highly gentle on the knees and ankles. It completely eliminates the risk of slipping on wet pavement outside.
Students flock to this track every afternoon to jog, sprint, or power walk their stress away. It is an excellent spot to warm up before hitting the heavier weights or to cool down after an intense team game. The loop provides a steady, safe environment to track your fitness progress over the semesters.
Shooting Hoops on the Ninth Floor Basketball Court
Basketball is a massive part of Philippine culture, so it makes sense that the ninth floor of the enrique m razon sports center features an incredible basketball court. This high-ceilinged arena is where the magic truly happens for the university’s varsity teams. The polished wood floors look beautiful under the bright overhead lights.
This specific court is famously used to host high-energy athlete pep rallies. Before big tournaments, the entire room fills up with thunderous drums, cheering students, and green-and-white banners. When the varsity teams are not practicing, the court provides an epic space for intramural leagues and student games.
Lifting Heavy at the Sixth Floor Gold’s Gym
One of the coolest unique facts about the enrique m razon sports center is that it houses a fully equipped commercial gym. Located right on the 6th floor, this Gold’s Gym branch offers premium weightlifting machines, rows of dumbbells, and top-tier cardio equipment. It has everything an aspiring bodybuilder or fitness lover could ever ask for.
The best part about this specific facility is its accessibility. It is open to both Lasallians and non-Lasallians alike, allowing the local community to mingle and exercise together. Students and faculty members often get special discounts, making it highly convenient to squeeze in a heavy workout session between long lectures.
Discovering the Hidden Cultural and Music Rooms
While sports are the main focus, the enrique m razon sports center also serves as a vibrant home for the performing arts. Thanks to a generous donation from George Yang, the famous founder of McDonald’s Philippines and a proud La Salle alumnus, the building includes specialized, sound-insulated music rooms. These rooms provide a creative sanctuary amidst a bustling athletic environment.
These beautiful spaces are actively used by talented student groups like the DLSU Innersoul, the DLSU Youth Orchestra, and the DLSU Chorale. Hearing beautiful melodies floating down the hallways creates a wonderful balance on campus. It proves that the university cares deeply about nurturing both physical fitness and artistic talent.
Training Ground for the National Service Training Program
The utility of the enrique m razon sports center goes way beyond traditional sports and arts. Over the years, this massive building has occasionally been used as a spacious training ground for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). This is a core part of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) that teaches students discipline and leadership.
The wide, open indoor spaces provide shelter from rain and intense sun during marching drills and tactical lectures. Having access to such a versatile building ensures that large groups of students can train safely and comfortably while fulfilling their national graduation requirements.
Complete Facility Guide Table
To help you understand the full layout of the enrique m razon sports center, here is a detailed breakdown of what you can find across the facility:
| Floor Level | Main Facilities & Features | Who Can Access It? |
| Ground Floor | Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool, Bleachers, Shower Rooms | Students, Faculty, & Varsity Athletes |
| Floors 2 to 4 | Secure Multi-Level Parking Spaces | Campus Drivers & Visitors with Permits |
| Floor 5 | Physical Education Classrooms, Dance Studio Space | PE Students & University Instructors |
| Floor 6 | Gold’s Gym Branch, Fitness Assessment Rooms | Open to Public, Students, & Faculty |
| Floor 7 | LSI Music Rooms, DLSU Chorale & Orchestra Space | Performing Arts Members & Musicians |
| Floor 8 | Indoor Rubber Oval Track, Martial Arts Mats | Joggers, PE Classes, & Combat Athletes |
| Floor 9 | Main Basketball Court, Varsity Team Training Area | Varsity Teams & Scheduled Student Leagues |
| Floor 10 | Badminton & Volleyball Courts, Administrative Offices | Sports Personnel & General Student Bookings |
How to Book and Enjoy the Facilities
Using the amazing amenities inside the enrique m razon sports center is a straightforward process for the university community. As a general rule, Lasallians can use the sports facilities completely free of charge. The only catch is that the specific court or room must be vacant and not reserved for official PE classes or varsity practices.
To secure a spot for a friendly game of badminton or basketball with your classmates, you simply visit the sports development office inside the building. Bringing your valid student ID card is essential to fill out a quick booking slip. Planning ahead and checking the weekly schedule ensures you get to enjoy a seamless, fun workout session without any unexpected interruptions.
Conclusion: A True Home for the Lasallian Spirit
The enrique m razon sports center is far more than just a massive concrete building made of bricks and glass. It stands as a powerful symbol of health, dedication, teamwork, and school pride. By providing top-tier spaces for swimming, running, lifting, and music, it helps students live a beautifully balanced life. It is the ultimate playground where lifelong friendships are forged over intense games and hard work.
Are you ready to take your fitness journey to the next level on campus? Grab your sports gear, invite your friends, and head over to the building this week! Whether you want to swim a few laps or jog on the indoor track, there is a space waiting for you. What is your favorite floor to visit inside the sports tower? Let us know, and let us keep the active green spirit burning bright!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-students use the pool inside the enrique m razon sports center?
No, the Olympic-sized swimming pool is strictly reserved for current DLSU students, faculty members, and official varsity athletes. This ensures the swim teams have enough space to train safely for their upcoming tournaments. However, outsiders can still access the building if they enroll at the commercial gym located on the sixth floor.
Is the indoor running track open during rainy days?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of the rubber oval track inside the enrique m razon sports center is that it is completely enclosed. You can enjoy a fantastic cardio workout and run your miles comfortably even during severe tropical storms or hot summer afternoons.
Do I need to pay a fee to use the basketball courts?
Current La Salle students do not have to pay any extra fees to use the regular courts. Access to these world-class amenities is already included in your student privileges. You just need to check the official daily schedule at the sports office to ensure no varsity teams are using the court.
Who funded the beautiful music rooms inside the tower?
The music and culture rooms were fully funded and donated by George Yang. He is a highly successful businessman who famously brought McDonald’s to the Philippines. As a proud alumnus, he wanted to give student musicians a dedicated, modern space to practice their instruments.
What are the operating hours for the campus sports complex?
The enrique m razon sports center is generally open from Monday to Saturday, starting early in the morning at 6:00 AM until late in the evening at 22:00 (10:00 PM). It remains closed on Sundays and official national holidays to allow for deep cleaning and routine maintenance.
