Record PBA crowd seen on first day

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Basketball Association opens its 40th Season on Oct. 19 before what could be the biggest crowd in its history as early reports say that 80 percent of tickets at the 50,000-seat Philippine Arena have already been sold.

League commissioner Chito Salud made this announcement Monday, ecstatic that the season gets off on the right foot with two games to follow elaborate opening ceremonies at the Iglesia Ni Cristo-owned venue in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“I have been informed that 80 percent of the venue tickets have already been sold, translating to some 35,000 fans already confirmed,” Salud said in a text message.

“This is a huge number by any measure that can only become bigger as we get closer to opening day.”

The league has had some historic numbers with the Alaska versus Ginebra game in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals two seasons ago bringing in more than 23,000 at Smart Araneta Coliseum, which will still be the league’s home.

Fans have several reasons to be trooping to the cavernous venue as expansion squads Blackwater Elite and KIA Motors slug it out in the first game at 3 p.m. where Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world boxing icon, will be making his coaching debut for the Sorento.

Pacquiao, deep in training for his fight with American Chris Algieri next month, has been allowed by trainer Freddie Roach to see action, but only for the opening game.

Crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text clash in the second game at 5 p.m.

Greg Slaughter, last season’s top rookie, will return as the Ginebra cornerstone starting this season with Mark Caguioa continuing to be the team’s spiritual leader.

The Tropang Texters will be making their first official appearance under new coach Jong Uichico, who took over from Norman Black.

Both games will mark the first time that the PH Arena will host an official sporting event.