Fiba World Cup: Free bus rides to Philippine Arena for Gilas’ opening game

A view of a basketball during the SBP test event for the Fiba World Cup 2023-hosting at Smart Araneta Coliseum. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will provide 400 point-to-point (P2P) shuttle buses for free to the fans who will watch the Gilas Pilipinas’ Fiba World Cup opening game against the Dominican Republic on August 25 at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

With the host eyeing to set a new attendance record on opening day between Gilas and Dominican Republic at the 55,000-capacity arena next week, the tournament organizers on Saturday announced that opening day ticket holders can ride their free shuttle bus rides from 12 strategic take-off points around Metro Manila, Pampanga, and Bulacan.

The Philippines will be bannered by Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson, who plays for Utah Jazz, while Dominican Republic parades Karl-Anthony Towns of Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Philippines looks to break the highest attendance in a Fiba World Cup game–set at 32,616 fans during the 1994 finals in Toronto, Canada where the Shaquille O’Neal-led USA cruised to the gold medal against Russia.

BUS PICK UP POINTS

The SBP has arranged to deploy 400 49-seater premium grade air-conditioned buses from the PITX Bus Terminal, Mall of Asia Arena, One Ayala Bus Terminal, BGC Market Market Bus Terminal, SM Megamall, Araneta City, Trinoma, SM North, Clover Leaf Ayala Mall Bus Terminal, SM Baliuag, SM Pampanga, and SM Clark, to transport fans to the venue.

The free rides are scheduled to depart from each boarding terminal at 11 a.m. and 12 noon, and hourly from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fans need to present their tickets and may go to https://bit.ly/3rNFIR4 to choose their preferred pick-up location and time of departure.

The ticket holders will also receive a coupon for a free Jollibee Cheesy Yumburger at the gate upon presentation of opening-day tickets. Once inside, there will be Fiba Basketball World Cup 2023 merchandise such as scarves, fan clappers, and rally towels anded out to patrons in the different sections. There will also be special LED wristbands distributed, which enable everyone in the arena to be part of a special lights show that will take place.

Aside from the games, Asia’s Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo, The Dawn, and Ben & Ben will also perform in between the quadruple header to give the spectators a concert treat.

The ticket sales for opening day are still available at ticketnet.com.ph., where the fans can also purchase for the succeeding games at Smart Araneta Coliseum, while for Mall of Asia Arena games, where Team USA will see action, tickets can be purchased at smtickets.com.