PBA postpones Finals Game 6 due to fire at Araneta Coliseum
A look at the Smart Araneta Coliseum hours before the supposed tip-off of PBA Finals Game 6. DENISON DALUPANG/INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines — The PBA has opted to postpone Game 6 of the Governors’ Cup Finals between Ginebra and Meralco on Wednesday due to the fire at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The league announced the postponement of Game 6 hours after the cancellation of the PBA 3×3 second conference Grand Finals when the smoke began to fill the the Big Dome.
“Earlier today a fire broke out at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. With the safety of all in mind, the PBA has decided to postpone the 46th Season Governors Cup Finals Game 6 between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Meralco Bolts tonight,” the league wrote.
Game 6 will be played instead on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena, where Ginebra eyes to clinch the title with a 3-2 series lead.
Ticket holders can refund their ticket purchases at the Big Dome’s ticketing office.
“We can’t risk the safety of our fans and players. It’s not yet safe so we have to cancel the game tonight. We will reschedule Game 6 on Friday at MOA Arena,” PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said.
“We will still have a meeting, regarding the venue of Game 7 and the resumption of the 3×3 Grand Finals.”
“Sorry to the fans who have to refund their tickets. We didn’t want this to happen. It’s for the safety of the fans, players and coaches,” he added.
Ginebra and Platinum Karaoke were supposed to clash in the final game of the Grand Finals’ pool play when the fire broke out. All the 3×3 teams and personnel were asked to leave the Big Dome as firefighters were quick to respond.
According to league and fire officials, the initial assessment was a faulty wiring within one of the air handling units at the South Gate of the venue.
