Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 17) – With the loosening of restrictions in Metro Manila, fans will now be allowed to watch the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced that tickets for the qualifying matches from Feb. 24-28 are now on sale in all TicketNet outlets and online via www.ticketnet.com.ph.
Earlier this month, the SBP had decided to bar a live audience to watch the games due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in Metro Manila.
Only fully-vaccinated persons aged 12 and above will be permitted entry to the venue and are required to follow health and safety protocols, such as the wearing of face masks, inside the arena. They must also present their vaccination card and a valid ID.
Food will only be allowed at the concourse of the coliseum and prohibited at the audience area.
The Smart Araneta Coliseum management is also requiring fans to present a Kyusi Pass upon entry into the arena.
Gilas Pilipinas will play four games during the five-day affair. The Filipinos will face South Korea twice, on Feb. 24 and 28, India on Feb. 25, and New Zealand on Feb. 27.
The Chot Reyes-coached national men’s basketball team released this week an initial 21-man lineup for the qualifying games which includes12 of his TNT Tropang Giga players, NorthPort Batang Pier guard Robert Bolick, Japan B.League standouts Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos, and Gilas cadets Angelo Kouame, Will Navarro, Tzaddy Rangel, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Jaydee Tungcab, and Lebron Lopez.
