Sep 10, 2022

PBA to play games of Commissioner's Cup at old haunt Philsports Arena

THE PBA is poised for a return to one of its early homes in the mid-season Commissioner's Cup.

Commissioner Willie Marcial said games are set to be played at the Philsports Arena in Pasig this conference and eventually, for the entire season as plans are afoot about including it in the regular rotation of venues where the league is going to play.

Marcial already met with new Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Noli Eala on Friday regarding the PBA's use of the government-owned facility that once housed Asia's oldest pro league in the mid-80s until the early 90s.

"Nag-meeting kami with chairman Noli Eala regarding sa paglalaro ng PBA sa Philsports Arena. Pinag-usapan namin kung ano yung deal, and nagkasundo naman kami doon sa napag-usapan namin," said Marcial.

Deputy commissioner Eric Castro was also present during the meeting and courtesy call to Eala, the former PBA commissioner, held at the chairman's office at the 4th floor of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

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The Commissioner's Cup is set for a Sept. 21 opening.

During the season-opening Philippine Cup, games were held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Mall of Asia Arena, and the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

"Yung ibang venue kasi hindi available for certain days this conference kaya tiningnan na rin namin yung Philsports Arena. At malamang, isasama na natin sa rotation din sa regular nating laro yung Philsports," said Marcial.

A team of PBA personnel led by Castro, already inspected the Pasig venue, which just recently hosted the AVC Cup for Womens.

Marcial added he also discussed with Eala the possibility of holding a game or two at the newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

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"Tignan muna natin, pero on the table yun," said Marcial of the historic playing venue located at Vito Cruz (now Pablo Ocampo St) in Manila. (RG)