This will become the first air-conditioned venue in the country and has a surface area of 1,010 m2, with a competition area of 2 tatami, plus a grandstand for more than 200 people. The venue follows the official requirements of the International Judo Federation for holding of events.
During the laying of the first stone, Carlos Zegarra, president of the Pan American Judo Confederation (CPJ), said that the new José Desimavilla Arena will be a technical development centre for the Pan American Judo Confederation (CPJ) and a training centre for the South American Confederation.
IJF President Mr Vizer said, "On the occasion of the inauguration of the José De Simavilla Arena, I would like to express my most sincere congratulations to you and your teams for this important event. A new place to train is a new home for athletes from Ecuador, the region and Pan America, where they can meet, train and share and, later on bring positive results for their countries. I wish you all much success in this new stage. I value the dedication and effort provided for the promotion of judo and its values, both in Ecuador and in the region. I wish you all good health, an excellent path ahead and great sporting achievements!"
The new venue was named after José Gabriel Desimavilla Macías (1938 - 2024), who held a grade of 8th dan. As an athlete, José Gabriel Desimavilla Macías was a national silver medallist before becoming a coach. As such he became a director of coaches of the Provincial Judo Association of Guayas (1980-2004) and technical head of the Ecuadorian Judo Federation (1980-1988). Under his leadership, María Villarroel became the first Ecuadorian to participate in a judo world championship. He was also the coach of María Cangá, bronze medallist at the Pan American Games in Indianapolis (1987).
His legacy is a benchmark of Ecuadorian judo. José Gabriel Desimavilla Macías was the mentor of generations and a fundamental pillar in the growth of sport in the country.