Zapopan, Jalisco; August 24. As part of its commitment to the well-rounded education of its students and the pursuit of excellence, the Guadalajara campus of theUniversidad Panamericana s is strengthening its sports infrastructure with a renovation project involving an estimated investment of 32.5 million pesos.
The project represents a boost to campus life, student well-being, and the competitiveness of the institution's sports teams.
The project is made possible by a strategic partnership with Grupo Aga, the main sponsor in the sports sector, which will contribute approximately 24 to 25 million pesos—funds earmarked exclusively for the construction of the complex. The remaining funds needed to complete the construction will be provided directly by the Universidad Panamericana.
In this regard, Álvaro Castañeda, M.A., Director of Sports at the Universidad Panamericana, highlights the transparency and strategic purpose of this sponsorship:
“It is essential to clarify that these funds were specifically earmarked for sports development. It was not a flexible sum (…). Grupo Aga is a passionate advocate for physical activity, and its vision aligns perfectly with our desire to provide students with world-class facilities. These partnerships bring invaluable added value to our institution.”
New sports facilities for the Universidad Panamericana
Under the operational direction of the construction company Urbano and the leadership of the university’s Infrastructure Department, work is progressing through extended shifts from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. throughout the week, including Saturdays and Sundays.
Architect Carlos Guerrero, who is in charge of the construction work on campus, details the physical and financial scope of the project:
“The total cost of the comprehensive project is approximately 32.5 million pesos. The construction of the new bleachers amounts to more than 20 million pesos and includes regulation-compliant locker rooms, public restrooms, and specialized facilities. In addition, we are allocating 2.9 million pesos to the renovation and refurbishment of the existing grandstand, including new seats and structural reinforcement; 3.6 million pesos to the new field lighting system; and approximately 4.9 million pesos to the installation of a multifunctional scoreboard.”
The project has required hydraulic engineering and underground connectivity solutions along the campus boundaries. Notable among these are the construction of a separate pumping station to properly channel drainage runoff, the installation of a fire protection system at a depth of 1.50 meters, and the reorganization of the fiber-optic network through optimized service routes.
Similarly, the installation of the giant digital screen—strategically located on the facade of the multi-story parking garage—required structural studies to secure the module without affecting the post-tensioned cables in the slabs.
This facility will use state-of-the-art interactive software to enhance the fan experience during games and will also serve as an official channel for disseminating university content.
A sports complex designed for competition and community building
The project will redefine the aesthetics and functionality of the sports complex at the “ Universidad Panamericana.” The complex will house the renovated “Don Jorge Garciarce” soccer field, the Aga Pan American Poliforum, the “Skarch” padel center, and social terraces with prefabricated pergolas.
Each space has been evaluated by the University's Spaces Committee to ensure a balance between sponsor visibility and the institutional image's professionalism.
In terms of seating capacity and comfort, the new covered grandstand will add more than 400 seats to the existing bleachers, bringing the total capacity to between 600 and 700 spectators. The structure will also feature a broadcast booth for media coverage on digital platforms and a box reserved for officials and guests.
The new locker rooms, designed to meet the logistical demands of high-performance soccer, are located on the ground floor of the grandstand. These facilities are twice the size of the previous ones and feature separate areas for the home team, the visiting team, and the referees.
In addition, a reinforced walkway was installed to allow ambulances direct access to the edge of the court so they can respond to medical emergencies more quickly.
In assessing the operational impact of these areas, Álvaro Castañeda, M.A., notes:
“The construction of these locker rooms addresses a long-standing need for our athletes. By moving soccer operations to this new building, we’re taking some of the pressure off the Poliforum and providing optimal conditions for our men’s and women’s teams.”
In addition, the specialized night lighting system—developed in collaboration with Construlita—will make it possible to schedule games during peak attendance times, enhancing the college experience.
Sports Facilities to Enhance Campus Life
Beyond the strictly competitive arena, the University of the West ( Universidad Panamericana ) views this investment in sports infrastructure as a strategy to enhance student well-being, foster community cohesion, and attract talent.
The quality of the campus's sports facilities has also led professional clubs and international teams to choose them for their preseason camps and training sessions.
“State-of-the-art sports facilities are not an expense, but rather an investment that yields exceptional institutional returns,” emphasizes Álvaro Castañeda, M.A. “They are a key differentiator that complements academic rigor and convinces prospective students that the Universidad Panamericana is the ideal environment for them to reach their full potential.”
In this way, the project aims to make sports facilities both gathering places for the university community and venues capable of meeting the demands of competitive sports.
An investment that shapes the future of sports at UP Guadalajara
Despite global challenges in supply chains and the availability of materials, the official schedule signed with the construction company sets the approximate completion date for the construction work for the first week of October.
With progress being made on the installation of seats and the final finishing touches, the Guadalajara campus of the National Institute of Sports (Universidad Panamericana ) is preparing to inaugurate a sports facility that strengthens its infrastructure, supports the well-rounded education of its students, and shapes the future of its varsity teams
