PERTH, Western Australia - Leaders of the Filipino community in this Western Australian capital were given a facility tour of RAC Arena ahead of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Third Window clash between Australia and Gilas Pilipinas on July 6.
Philippine Consulate Western Australia Honorary Consul Melissa Dalisay Aguasa led the team in the tour facilitated by TEG Sport, represented by Dylan O’Sullivan, with Basketball Australia FIBA Director Aurelien Bova providing technical briefings on venue operations, team logistics, and game-day protocols.
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Consul Aguasa said the visit was crucial in ensuring the Filipino community’s readiness for one of the biggest basketball events involving the Philippines on Australian soil.
“We want to make sure that Gilas Pilipinas feels the full support of the Filipino community in Western Australia,” Aguasa said. “This tour helps us understand the venue, the flow of spectators, and how we can contribute to a safe, organised, and vibrant match atmosphere.”
The delegation was shown player tunnels, media bays, broadcast positions, and fan zones, giving community leaders a clear picture of how RAC Arena will operate on game night.
TEG Sport’s Dylan O’Sullivan said the collaboration with the Filipino community has been strong.
“The passion of Filipino fans is well known worldwide,” O’Sullivan noted. “We’re excited to welcome Gilas and their supporters. RAC Arena is ready for a massive night.”
Basketball Australia’s Aurelien Bova added that preparations are in full swing.
“Australia and the Philippines share a deep basketball culture,” Bova said. “This fixture is important for both teams, and we expect a world-class event.”
The Australia Boomers, ranked among the top basketball nations globally, enter the Third Window with momentum. With a mix of seasoned internationals and rising stars, the Boomers have historically turned RAC Arena into a fortress — a venue where Australian teams have enjoyed strong home-court advantage.
The Boomers’ physicality, disciplined defense, and efficient ball movement remain their trademarks. Their recent performances in FIBA competitions have reinforced their status as one of Asia-Pacific’s toughest squads.
Gilas arrives in Perth on Saturday from New Zealad marking a historic moment — the first major men’s national team fixture in Western Australia in years, sparking huge anticipation among Filipino-Australians.
Community sports leader Gil Mangoba said the excitement is palpable.
“It’s a moment of pride for Filipinos in WA,” Mangoba said. “We’re ready to put some Filipino noise at RAC Arena.”
Opened in 2012, RAC Arena has hosted global superstars, major sporting events, and international tournaments. Its world-class acoustics, seating design, and fan experience make it one of Australia’s premier indoor venues.
For basketball, RAC Arena is home to the Perth Wildcats — one of the most successful NBL franchises. The venue’s reputation for electrifying crowds adds to the anticipation for the Boomers–Gilas showdown.
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