National U unveils UAAP 75 in new state-of-the-art arena

SEASON 75 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) unfolds on July 14 with host National University boasting a world-class venue when the varsity league celebrates its diamond jubilee.

League president Nilo Ocampo said yesterday that 18 playing dates will be held in the state-of-the-art SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City, which holds 14,200 seats and several VIP boxes.

Aside from the men’s basketball games, several juniors and women’s matches will also be played there.

“The first round meeting of Ateneo and La Salle will definitely be there,” Ocampo said in the Scoop forum yesterday at Kamayan Padre Faura.

The MOA Arena is owned by mall magnate Henry Sy, who has a majority stake in NU.

But Ocampo said some games will still be played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and also possibly at the Philsports Arena and the Filoil Flying V Arena.

“We have yet to finalize it all, but come June, all things will be set,” said Ocampo. “But we’re also looking to put importance on other sports this year other than basketball.”

Ocampo said that the league will again send its top athletes to the Asean University games late this year in Laos.