FILE – UP Fighting Maroons vs NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 84. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP has officially announced the return of spectators on a limited capacity at Mall of Asia Arena starting on Tuesday.
UAAP Season 84 president Emmanuel Calanog said the board has decided to bring back the fans in the stands after consultations with the league’s bio security officers, Commission on Higher Education and the LGU of Pasay City.
“We accelerated the opening to a live audience with Alert Level 1 continuing in Metro Manila,” said Calanog.
“Our priority is the health and safety of our student athletes and minimizing the risks of COVID-19. After discussions with our health officers and putting a few additional protocols in place, we are now ready to have fans back in the arena. The UAAP is a competition best experienced with students and alumni supporting their respective schools.”
The league will open the gates of MOA Arena’s lower box, upper box and general admission for the fans. The ringside and patron area will remain exclusive for the bubble delegates.
An announcement from the UAAP pic.twitter.com/rqN7SPToNS
— The UAAP (@uaap_official) April 1, 2022
“While tournament officials, players and staff are still in a bubble, having fans back in the stands is a significant step back to normalcy for the UAAP,” said Executive Director Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag. “We appreciate the sacrifices of individuals and the member-schools in keeping their respective bubbles intact which has led us to this point of having fans back in the stands.”
Only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed inside the venue with fans required to present proof of vaccination upon entry and follow the health and safety protocols that includes the wearing of masks and social distancing. Eating and drinking are only allowed in designated areas.
Students are encouraged to purchase their tickets at MOA Arena starting Saturday to avail of the discount.
Unfortunately, the clash between the country’s fiercest collegiate rivals Ateneo and La Salle will be the last UAAP game behind closed doors.
On Tuesday, La Salle and University of Santo Tomas will raise the curtains for the fans in a 10 a.m. clash. University of the Philippines takes on Adamson at 1 p.m., followed by the ‘Battle of the East’ between Far Eastern University andUniversity of the East at 4 p.m.
Transferee Dave Ildefonso and defending champion Ateneo battle his brother Shaun and former team National University at 7 p.m. to cap the first UAAP match with a live audience in this pandemic.