The excitement of the post-season is a feeling unlike any other in sports. Just as basketball fans are gearing up for the intensity of the NBA playoffs, ushered in by that thrilling play-in tournament format we’ve come to know since the 2019-20 season, there’s a similar, albeit more grassroots, buzz that surrounds a well-maintained local football pitch. For us football enthusiasts, finding that perfect field—one with reliable facilities and a straightforward booking process—is our version of securing a playoff berth. It’s the foundation of the beautiful game at our level. Today, I want to pull back the curtain on one such community gem: the Tionko Football Field. Having played and organized matches there for the better part of three years, I’ve developed a real affinity for the place, and this guide is born from that hands-on experience. It’s more than just a list of amenities; it’s a deep dive into what makes it tick, how to secure your slot, and why, in my opinion, it stands out in a city with growing demand for quality sporting spaces.
Let’s start with the pitch itself, because that’s the star of the show. Tionko features one full-size, professionally lined natural grass pitch. Now, I have a strong preference for natural grass over artificial turf—there’s just something about the feel of the ball on grass, the way it slows down a through pass, and yes, even the occasional divot, that feels authentic. The ground staff, a dedicated team of four who have been there for years, do a commendable job maintaining it. The drainage is surprisingly effective; I’ve played there just hours after a heavy downpour and found the surface playable, with only a few soft patches in the usual corners. The goals are full-size FIFA standard frames with high-quality nets, securely anchored, which is a detail many cheaper facilities overlook. Flanking the pitch is a running track, roughly 400 meters in length, though it’s more suited for casual jogging than serious track work. The lighting for evening games is a particular strength. They installed a new LED system about 18 months ago, and the 32 floodlights provide exceptional, near-daylight clarity for night matches, which run from 6 PM to 10 PM. It eliminates those annoying shadows and makes a 9 PM kickoff feel entirely viable.
Moving off the pitch, the facilities are where Tionko truly punches above its weight for a community field. There are two separate changing rooms, each with shower facilities. Are they luxurious? No. But they are consistently clean, with reliable hot water—a luxury I’ve learned never to take for granted. They probably service about 50-60 players on a busy Saturday without issue. Adjacent to this is a small but functional concession stand operated by a lovely local family. They’ve got the essentials: cold water, sports drinks, and some simple snacks. My personal post-game ritual involves their bottled iced tea, a perfect thirst-quencher. For spectators, there’s a covered bleacher area that can seat around 150 people. It’s basic aluminum seating, but it provides shade and a clear view of the entire pitch. What I appreciate most, however, is the ample free parking. They have a dedicated lot with space for approximately 75 vehicles, and it’s well-paved and lit. In an area where street parking is a nightmare, this is a huge, huge plus that simplifies logistics for everyone on the team.
Now, the crucial part: booking. This is where many fields fall down, but Tionko’s system is refreshingly transparent. All bookings are handled through their dedicated website, which I find far more efficient than the back-and-forth WhatsApp chaos common elsewhere. The calendar opens for reservations exactly 14 days in advance at 8:00 AM sharp. Peak hours (weekday evenings 6-10 PM and weekends 8 AM-10 PM) get snapped up quickly, often within the first 20 minutes. A standard 2-hour block for the main pitch costs ₱2,500, which is competitive, if not slightly above average, for the quality provided. They require full payment online to confirm, which locks in your slot. My pro-tip? Have an account set up and be logged in before 7:55 AM on your booking day. I’ve missed out by being sluggish. They also offer discounted rates for block bookings of 10 sessions or more, which our league has taken advantage of. The management is reasonably flexible with cancellations, requiring 48 hours' notice for a full refund, which I consider fair.
In conclusion, while the NBA’s play-in tournament decides which teams earn the right to compete on the biggest stages, for our local football community, securing time at a pitch like Tionko is our own critical play-in. It’s the gateway to countless weekends of competition, camaraderie, and pure sporting joy. Tionko Football Field succeeds not because it’s flawless—it has its worn edges and busy periods—but because it gets the fundamentals consistently right. The pitch is playable and well-kept, the lights are bright, the booking is clear, and the essentials work. It feels cared for. In my years playing across the city, I’ve encountered fancier facilities with poorer management and cheaper pitches with terrible access. Tionko strikes a balance. It’s a community asset that understands its role. So, if you’re looking for a reliable home for your weekend match or a trustworthy venue for a small tournament, I can confidently recommend it. Just remember to set your alarm for that 8 AM booking window—trust me on that one.