The FIBA Basketball World Cup is set to commence this Friday, hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, and early indications suggest that the opening day of the competition will witness record-breaking attendance.
David Crocker, the Executive Director of FIBA, expressed his confidence in the Philippines’ capability to successfully host the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which is scheduled to begin this Friday, August 25th, at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Following his recent visit to Manila to assess the logistical preparations carried out by the organizing committee, Crocker shared that he was “impressed with the strong support” from various involved sectors.
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“I think one of the real strengths is the whole-of-government support, the cabinet secretaries who meet regularly to assist the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas), and the organization is committed to understanding where the pressure points are and where the government (could) help and support to make things work,” said Crocker during an appearance on the sports online show Power and Play.
“It made a big difference (because) you see decisions around, limiting trucks and closing some schools to assist in setting the record on August 25th at the Philippine Arena,” he added.
Just a week ago, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos suspended classes in public schools and government work in the Manila metro and Bulacan on August 25th to make way for the opening ceremonies of the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Philippine Arena.
Gilas Pilipinas will make its debut in the World Cup on Friday night at 8:00 PM, where the Filipinos are set to face the Dominican Republic, led by Karl-Anthony Towns, at the world’s largest indoor arena.
Given the country’s global recognition for its passion for sports, the Philippines, currently aiming for the sole Asian spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, also aims to rewrite history by surpassing the highest attendance record in a FIBA Basketball World Cup match.
The 1994 FIBA Basketball World Cup final, in which the US team led by Shaquille O’Neal competed, defeated Russia 137-91 before a record crowd of 32,616 fans in Toronto en route to winning the gold medal.
The Philippine Arena boasts a seating capacity of 55,000, and Al Panlilio, the President of SBP, seeks to exceed the 50,000 mark, coming close to the 54,589 spectators who witnessed the 7th game of the PBA Governors’ Cup finals last season between Barangay Ginebra and Bay Area Dragons.