SCALPERS are again making a killing ahead of Game Two on Wednesday, when defending champion La Salle tries to finish off rival Ateneo and wrap up a third straight UAAP women’s volleyball title.
With the Archers on the verge of sweeping the best-of-three finals, ticket prices for the match at the Mall of Asia Arena have jacked up four times its original value in the black market, even if the match is played in midweek.
One scalper told Spin.ph prices are bound to go higher on game day.
“May patron ako dito (binebenta ko ng) P1,200 pero bukas mas magmamahal pa presyuhan dito,” said the scalper. “Meron din ako lower (box) dito P700, bukas magkakaubusan na ito.”
Ticket prices at the MOA are P300 for patron and Patron VIP (reserved seating), P200 for lower box (both reserved seating and SRO), P120 for upper box (reserved seating and SRO), and P75 for general admission.
Tickets for the volleyball games have become hot commodity this season amid the renewed interest in the sport, no doubt fanned by the success of the Shakey's V League and the rivalry between La Salle and Ateneo.
Saturday’s Game One saw more than 17,000 fans pack the Smart Araneta Coliseum to see the Lady Archers rally from a two-set deficit to stun the Lady Eagles in an epic five-game setter, 20-25, 17-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-6.
The final elimination-round match between the two rivals, which was played at the MOA Arena in Pasay, drew a record crowd of almost 20,000 fans.
Although attendance records for the volleyball matches have hit new heights, ticket prices in the black market of basketball matches pitting the two schools remain way higher.
In an online site that facilitates the buying and selling of different kinds of merchandise, two Patron VIP tickets were sold to the highest bidder.
Lower box and upper box tickets were also being sold for P700 and P500, respectively. General admission tickets, priced at P75, were sold for as high as P200.
But alumni and supporters of both schools do not mind paying more.
“Yes. If I really want to watch the game I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from a scalper. Keep on pushing the limit of the animo spirit,” said Victor, a marketing officer and La Salle alumnus.
“Oo naman. Bihira lang naman mangyari 'yan eh,” said Robin, an Ateneo student.
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