The Philippine Arena. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/EDWIN BACASMAS
MANILA, Philippines — It was deemed as quite a lofty goal but the expectations for the opener of the PBA’s 40th Season could very well be met.
The league had announced that it would usher in the new season in the newly-built Philippine Arena in Bulacan, a venue that could cater 55,000 people — more than the crowd capacity of the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena combined.
And barely a week left before the opening on October 19, the PBA has reportedly sold 80 percent of the tickets.
“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 league commissioner Chito Salud in a statement Monday. “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. 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,” the statement read.
New teams Kia Sorentos, with playing-coach and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, and Blackwater Sports Elite kick off the new season at 3:00pm before rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings and Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters battle in the main game at 5:15pm.
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