Record crowd expected for PBA season opening
If current ticket sales are any indication, then expect a record crowd to flock to the Philippine Arena in Bulacan for the opening of the Philippine Basketball Association’s 40th season this Sunday.
“I am happy to report that our opening for the PBA's 40th season this Sunday is being met with enthusiastic response from our fans,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Salud. “I have been informed that 80 percent of the venue tickets have been sold, translating to some 35,000 fans already confirmed to attend.
“This is a huge number by any measure that can only become bigger as we get closer to opening day.”
The first two games of the 2014 Philippine Cup, the first of the season's three conferences, will feature new teams KIA Sorento and Blackwater Elite opening hostilities at 3:00PM, followed by a clash between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters in the main event at 5:15PM.
A crowd of 35,000 would set an all-time record for a PBA playdate. The league had its largest attendance record of 24,883 fans which happened during Game 7 of the 2013 Philippine Cup semifinals featuring Barangay Ginebra going up against the San Mig Coffee Super Mixers.
The second-largest crowd attendance of the PBA was 23,436 for Game 3 of the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup finals featuring the Alaska Aces and Barangay Ginebra.
“But more than the numbers, we in the PBA feel privileged to have this opportunity to give our fans a treat, fans whose unwavering support have brought PBA to where it is today,” Salud added.
To aid the fans who may have problems going to the Philippine Arena, KIA Motors will provide free transportation to the venue.
