THE Philippine Basketball Association welcomes back with open arms its beloved fans by next week as games of the Governors' Cup will be played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum starting on Dec. 15.
Commissioner Willie Marcial made the announcement Friday night after receiving the approval of the Quezon City local government unit under Mayor Joy Belmonte allowing the league to hold games with spectators at the Big Dome.
Marcial said all matches of the season-ending meet, including Leg 6 and the grand finals of the 3x3 Lakas Ng Tatlo, will be played in the PBA's original home until the end of the year.
The PBA chief added games are going to be played on Christmas Day for the first time in three years, and mentioned the possibility of holding another double header the following day.
And for the first time since March 8 of 2020 during the opener of the 45th season, fans will finally be allowed to watch the games although on a limited capacity at the moment.
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"So by Wednesday, maglalaro na tayo sa Araneta kasama ang mga fans," said Marcial.
Marcial said those who are going to the venue should be fully vaccinated and need to present their vaccination card and at least one government ID.
Health and safety protocols inside the venue will also be observed including a two-seat apart arrangement.
"Kailangan fully vaccinated ang mga fans at magdala ng government ID para papasukin kayo sa venue."
At most, the Big Dome is going to accommodate 3,000 to 4,000 people inside, including 350 personnel representing teams and players, PBA staff, and members of the TV crew.
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The numbers are expected to increase however, especially once National Capital Region (NCR) is declared under Alert Level 1 status.
By next year, the games of the season-ending meet will likewise be played at the Mall of Asia Arena after similarly being given approval earlier by the Pasay City government to hold the games at the venue.
The league has been holding games at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig since it ushered the final conference of the season last Dec. 8.
Marcial thanked MayorJoy Belmonte and Mr. Miguel Belmonte, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for accommodating the league in their respective cities as well as officials of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), Department of Health (DoH), Games and Amusement Board (GAB), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for their unending support for PBA games to be held at this time of the pandemic. (RG)
