ANTIPOLO - The PBA confirmed the construction of its own home arena is close to becoming a reality, as announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) during its National Congress at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Commissioner Willie Marcial said advanced talks on the league’s long-time dream to build a playing venue it can call its own, in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the University of the Philippines.
The targeted lot is owned by UP and located along Commonwealth near the UP-Ayala Land TechnoHub, measuring about three to four hectares.
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Committees that will oversee the construction will be led by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, both prominent alumni of the State University, together with UP Diliman Chancellor Carlo Vistan.
Representing the PBA on the other hand, are board members Atty. Bill Pamintuan of Meralco, Jason Webb (Magnolia), and Atty. Raymond Zorilla (Phoenix).
“Naka-ilang meetings na yan. Naghihintay na lang kami ng Memorandum of Agreement, bago mag-groundbreaking,” said Marcial on Wednesday.
During the SBP Congress, Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan mentioned the construction of what he referred to as the Philippines’ ‘house of basketball.’
“I understand we have a property already. So it’s time to raise the money and build the facility,” said Pangilinan.
The arena, however, will not be exclusive to the PBA. With PSC and UP as partners, both institutions will also be allowed to use the arena during special occasions.
“Kasama sa usapan yun na puwede rin nila gamitin yung facility,” said Marcial of the arena, targeted to accomodate crowds as big as 8,000 to 10,000.
If everything goes as planned, Marcial added the league is looking to hold elimination round games there, but come the playoffs will be back in traditional, bigger venues such as the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.
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