The Philippines is gearing up to shatter a decades-old FIBA attendance record as ticket sales for the opening day of the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan have already reached 28,000.
The current record, set during the 1994 FIBA World Championship game between the US and Russia in Canada, stands at 32,616 spectators. But the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is not just aiming to break it; they’re aiming to set it as high as possible.
The Philippines will be opening the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 with world-class entertainment from The Dawn, Ben & Ben, and Sarah Geronimo!
Via SBP Website » https://t.co/BXONBI2gkJ pic.twitter.com/vi6xd011Nc
— SBP (@officialSBPinc) July 19, 2023
“We want to put the Philippines also on the map in terms of FIBA attendance,” said SBP President Al Panlilio last Tuesday. With the Philippine Arena’s seating capacity at over 50,000, the goal is nothing short of monumental.
“If we can reach 50,000, mahirap… I’m not saying hindi masu-surpass but it will be very difficult to do so,” he opined.
The opening day of the world’s biggest basketball tournament will feature an exciting doubleheader: Angola against Italy and the Dominican Republic versus the host country, the Philippines.
Got tickets?
And if you are looking to be a part of history or just plainly looking to enjoy the games, take note of how you can score tickets.
For those to be held at the Philippine Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum, which include all Gilas Pilipinas games, fans may purchase tickets on-site in 15 Ticketnet outlets across Metro Manila.
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On the other hand, tickets for games to be held at the MOA Arena, which will feature games from the United States, can be availed in 22 SM malls nationwide.
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