FILE–Virtuals fans appear on the LED screens inside the AUF Sports Arena & Cultural Center where the PBA games are held. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—The PBA is looking to get fans back into its games following a virtual meeting with officials from Pasay City and Mall of Asia.
League Commissioner Willie Marcial expressed his optimism about allowing fans into game venues, which could in turn help with the city’s efforts in going back to normal business operations.
“Pasay City, led by Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano and council, are working hard to help businesses slowly return to normal operations. They told us that allowing the fans entry in the venue will certainly help this cause,” said Marcial, as per PBA.ph.
Health and safety protocols inside Mall of Asia Arena were also discussed with the Pasay City officials asking the PBA to ensure that standards are met during the games.
The PBA has played two Philippine Cups so far after the COVID-19 pandemic but the games were all played behind closed doors as to prevent the spread of the virus.
The 2020 Philippine Cup was held in a bubble environment in Clark, Pampanga while the 2021 competition initially began at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City but was eventually transferred to Bacolor, Pampanga after Metro Manila was placed under enhanced community quarantine.
Following the decline in COVID-19 cases in the country, with infections tallied in the hundreds since November 23, the league is able to proceed with the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup starting December 8.