It’s a world-class venue for world-class athletes.
Players and fans alike going to the Mall of Asia Arena will be greeted by the eye-catching, iconic globe converted to a gigantic basketball and a hoop.
But that’s not the only change made in time for the much-awaited FIBA World Cup.
The 16,000-capacity venue, which also hosted various international leagues like the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013, underwent a major makeover before hosting teams like USA and Greece in the Group Phase come August 25.
“It will really be exciting to see, because it is the first time the whole place will be all dressed up like this,” said Mark Solano, appointed venue head by the Local Organizing Committee, in a statement sent to the media.
Without giving out more details, the statement revealed the “jumbo-sized cube high up at mid court has been given an eye-catching makeover.” Fans will also enjoy the games more with refurbished seats, while a Naismith Lounge was set up for the VIPs like FIBA World Cup ambassador Dirk Nowitzki.
“All the toilets, cubicles, and even the tiles are new,” said the man in charge of the venue which also has a newly constructed players’ entrance, repainted walls, and shower heads that can accommodate 7-footers.
The opening games will be held at the massive Philippine Arena, though, while Gilas Pilipinas will play their Group Phase games at the historic Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Qualifiers from the Group Phase in Japan and Indonesia will converge here for the Final Phase.
Indeed, it’s a world-class venue for the world-class athletes.
“As far as preparedness is concerned at MOA Arena, we are ready,” Solano said.
(GM)