By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
New attendance record is to be set at the opening of the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines on August 25th, according to the organiziers. With 28,000 tickets already sold, they envision accommodating up to 50,000 attendees at the Philippine Arena, as reported by Spin.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President, Al Panlilio, exudes confidence that the 1994 record of 32,616 attendees will be surpassed during the opening double-header featuring Gilas Pilipinas.
“We are really confident that we will surpass that,” Panlilio stated during a special Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Meralco compound. “In fact, we want to achieve the 50,000 mark.”
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The event will begin with Italy vs. Angola, followed by the Philippines facing the Dominican Republic, alongside the opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena. Current ticket sales have reached 28,000, and the excitement is fueled by the prospect of surpassing the FIBA record.
Ericka Dy, Deputy Event Director, holds the belief that attendance might even exceed 50,000, despite adjustments to the arena’s capacity for the FIBA event.
“I do believe that we will surpass it… We should note, however, that while the capacity of the area is 55,000, with the unique set-up required of us, the seats are down to 46,000,” Dy explained. “That being said, when we report the number of spectators in the game, we count everybody who is accredited. Every warm body inside the stadium will be counted, including media, officers, and the working group. I think we are really primed to beat that record.”
The Philippines aspires to become a distinguished FIBA host, setting a historic record in attendance.
“The entire FIBA Central Board is going to watch. Some Congress attendees will also be present. Dirk Nowitzki, during the draw, expressed he wouldn’t miss it. He’ll be here on the 25th, attending the board meeting as well. Everyone is looking forward to it, even FIBA,” added Panlilio. “We want to put the Philippines on the map in terms of FIBA attendance,” emphasized SBP President.