Organizers of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, Philippines, want to deliver no less than a festival-type atmosphere for the event scheduled for July.
Speaking at a press conference Tuesday at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Al Panlilio of the event’s Local Organizing Committee said the upcoming tournament the country is hosting “is bigger than 2013 (FIBA Asia Championship)”, and that it is important for the country to show the world it is capable of hosting an event of such magnitude.
“This is a world-class event and I hope it showcases the Philippines as a world-class event holder. We want to make sure we deliver a festival-type event,” Panlilio said.
To make sure it will be a seamless experience for the fans, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Manny V. Pangilinan said the organizers are working hand in hand with various partners to bring a great show.
“The event starting July 5th is a huge one for the country. There is no doubt Gilas is facing formidable teams,” Pangilinan said.
Given the immense competition, Pangilinan wants to provide the team with a decisive homecourt edge in all aspects of the country’s hosting of the event.
“Similar to the FIBA Asia in 2013, nakausap na namin ang MMDA, cities involved, Pasay, Manila … players, they will be billeted in Sofitel. The rest, VIPs, maybe hotels near MOA,” Pangilinan shared.
Pangilinan added that the organizers are also working with various companies to try and provide different kinds of technologies during the coverage.
Noel Lorenzana of TV5, the tournament’s host broadcaster, said that the company will add more camera angles to make coverage more exciting and world-class from a TV perspective.
Asked about what he thinks the total funding for the event, taking all things into consideration, Pangilinan said: “I would say north of 200 million pesos.”
