PHILIPPINE ARENA GETS GREEN LIGHT FOR OCT. 19 OPENING
PBA commissioner Chito Salud has declared the 50,000-seater Philippine Arena has a basketball court with right specifications for PBA games.
With that, Salud is to announce Monday the opening double-header at the Bocaue, Bulacan playing venue on Oct. 19, pending the finalization of their lease contract.
“We are now ironing out the final terms of engagement. But the Philippine Arena is ready for the PBA,” said Salud after their inspection of the venue Thursday.
During the presentation of the Blackwater Elite team Tuesday, Salud said they will present a twinbill to highlight the opening rites of PBA Season 40 if the event is to be held at the Philippine Arena.
He hinted an opening game between PBA newcomers Kia Motors and Blackwater and a marquee match between Barangay Ginebra and Talk n Text.
Over at the launch of the KIA team at the World Trade Center in Pasay City Thursday, management announced the availability of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao for that particular game.
“Manny himself has confirmed that with the league commissioner,” said Kia team manager Eric Pineda.
It’s a historic event that could well draw a record crowd in the Bocaue arena.
The Philippine Arena sits on a sprawling complex between the Marilao and Bocaue exits of the North Luzon Expressway, going to Baguio. (SB)
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