FILE- Semifinals match between Petro Gazz and Cignal. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Premier Volleyball League is moving to a bigger venue, at Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, starting Game 2 of the semifinals on Sunday until the first match of the best-of-three finals.
PVL president Ricky Palou said they have decided to hold the remainder of the semifinals at MOA after some of the fans failed to watch the games at San Juan Arena, running out of tickets.
Some spectators even camped out on the eve of the semis series opener, where crowd darlings and sibling teams Choco Mucho and Creamline are clashing for the other Finals berth.
“We secured the permit to be able to play at MOA,” Palou told the reporters. “Since last night, they were here. Even though they were not sure that they would be able to buy tickets, they still came. So we want to take this to a bigger venue.”
Only fully vaccinated fans will be allowed at the venues and kids aged five and below are not permitted entry.
If necessary, Game 3 of the semis will be played on Monday at MOA Arena.
The Finals Game 2 and if necessary, Game 3, will be held at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
“But April 8, we’ll have to move to Ynares Antipolo cause MOA is not available. Game 3, April 10, will be at Ynares Antipolo,” Palou said. “We’re actually happy seeing the fans. Since last night, they were here. People were sending me pictures and messages that they were lining up.”
“We want this for the fans. They really tried their best to get tickets. That’s why we are lucky to move to a bigger venue,” he added.
Both MOA Arena and Ynares Antipolo have hosted PBA games. The former is currently the venue of UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball, which will also open its gates for the fans starting on Tuesday after its first four playdates were played behind closed door.
The classification match between BaliPure and Chery Tiggo and the battle for fifth place between F2 Logistics and PLDT will still be played at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.