By: Dustin James Bayog
BULACAN, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas is set to host the sixth window of FIBA Asian Cup qualifying games at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, as they go against Lebanon and Jordan in February next year.
Philippine Arena, dubbed as the world's largest arena, located in Bocaue, Bulacan. Photo from Philippine Arena (Pinterest)
The Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios announced the confirmation during the Philippine's Sportswriters Forum today, November 15.
Barrios explained that the Philippine Arena will be the venue regardless of the outcomes in the fifth window.
"If you look back, the February window was at Araneta [Coliseum] while the Aug. 29 game in the fourth window was at the Mall of Asia [Arena]," he added.
After the infamous match against Australia last 2018, Gilas Pilipinas will be back in the world's biggest indoor arena, trying to maintain their two wins streak in the Pool E with 5-3 win-loss record.
The Philippines will go against Lebanon on February 24, then Jordan on February 27.
Meanwhile, Barrios said that the matches in February will prepare the local organizing committee as Philippine Arena, Smart Araneta Coliseum, and Mall of Asia Arena will be the three venues for the final phase of FIBA World Cup.
"Those are the three venues where the games will be played in the World Cup," he stated.
"So as much as possible, we'll hold the games there. It's like an OJT for the local organizing committee when we host in different venues," he added.
Accommodating up to 55,000 people, the admission rates of the sixth window will be different from Smart Araneta Coliseum and MOA Arena, Barrios also explained.
“I don’t have a specific number, but it should not be far from how we’re pricing the (games). Sure, the Philippine Arena’s configurations are different from that of Smart Araneta Coliseum or SM MOA Arena, but I don’t think it’s going to be that far,” he said.
TAGS: Philippine Arena, FIBA Asian Cup qualifying games, Bocaue, Bulacan, Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Sonny Barrios
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