Fiba World Cup Final phase games moved to MOA Arena from Philippine Arena

FILE–Gilas Pilipinas playing Saudi Arabia in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Fiba

MANILA, Philippines– The final phase of the Fiba World Cup 2023 will now be held at Mall of Asia Arena instead of the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena, the world basketball governing body announced on Friday.

Concerns about logistics led to the decision of the Fiba Central Board to move the venue of the last six games days of the Fiba World Cup 2023–starting from the quarterfinals up to the Final–to Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City from the original venue of Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

“The main concern leading to the decision was the requirement to provide consistent and swift transfer of the teams and fans to multiple games over the six days of the Final Phase,” said Fiba in a statement.

Fiba said the viability of the Philippine Arena as a venue was only tested after most COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have been lifted in November 2022 and it found “serious traffic and transport concerns.”

“Despite improvements tested with transport and traffic engineers, the Board came to the conclusion that an event with multiple sessions in one day, like the Final Phase of the World Cup, couldn’t be delivered to the standards required for the players and fans experience,” Fiba also said.

Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center Justin Brownlee in a Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers game at Philippine Arena. –FIBA PHOTO

Gilas Pilipinas held its home games during the Fiba World Cup qualifying Window 6 at Philippine Arena in February.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas also said the “fan experience” is a priority in the country’s hosting of the historic event, which will be held in the Philippines again after 45 years.

Accessibility has always been a concern when it comes to Philippine Arena, the largest indoor venue in the world. Unlike Mall of Asia which is inside Metro Manila, Philippine Arena is located some 30 kilometers north and is not easily reachable by public transport.

“The priority that led to this decision is the experience of our fans. This is in service of the Filipino basketball fan, as well as those arriving from all over the world,” said SBP President Al Panlilio.

Mall of Asia Arena has hosted several Fiba tournaments in the past including the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship and the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2016.

RECORD ATTENDANCE

Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand in a FIBA OQT match at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The first two rounds of the group stages will still be held at Mall of Asia Arena, Araneta Coliseum, Okinawa Arena, and Indonesia Arena in several cities among the host countries of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

But Group A, where Gilas Pilipinas has been slotted for the showcase as the host country, will play two games of the first round at Philippine Arena in an effort to keep the bid of establishing a record attendance at the Fiba World Cup alive.

Group A and Group B group phase-first round games were all initially scheduled at Araneta Colisuem while Team USA, which has been placed in Group C as per the host’s request, will play its games at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Philippines opens its Fiba World Cup campaign on August 25.