GA tickets sold out, Araneta’s pricy seats sell like hotcakes

MANILA—General admission tickets were sold out and pricier seats are selling like hotcakes.

The Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend pitting a star-laden NBA selection against the PBA All Stars and Smart Gilas Pilipinas on July 23 and 24 at the newly renamed Smart Araneta Coliseum are guaranteed blockbusters.

To showcase their skills are recent Manila visitor Kobe Bryant, reigning MVP Derrick Rose, scoring champion Kevin Durant and four-time all-star Chris Paul.

They will be joined by Derek Fisher, Tyreke Evans, James Harden and Derrick Williams.

With the installation last year of the Giant Cube, the Big Dome’s four-sided high definition LED screen, even those in the general admission section will see in detail every bit of action and their favorite players up close.

Lined up for August are the NBA Fit event featuring half-Filipino Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, the Basketball Madness promo, and several shows including Korn and Ed Kowalzcyk.

The Big Dome will also undergo a facelift and upgrade of facilities in the next few months.

Among the major changes at Smart Araneta will be the creation of a VIP lounge and a state-of-the-art “green” parking facility that will provide direct access to the venue.

Also to be upgraded are lobbies at the Red, Green and Yellow gates.