The Philippine Arena will serve as the host of Gilas Pilipinas’ Window 6 games in the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.
During the window, Gilas will face Lebanon on February 24 before taking on Jordan on the 27th.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios shared on Tuesday’s edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that the federation is making sure to have held qualifiers games at SMART Araneta Coliseum (Window 2) and SM Mall of Asia Arena (Window 4) to test the capability of the venues ahead of the Worlds next year.
The Philippine Arena will host the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
“Hangga’t maari, nilalaruan na natin yung tatlong venue na lalaruan sa World Cup,” the former PBA commissioner said.
“Parang nag-OJT na rin yung local organizing committee pag nagho-host tayo sa iba’t ibang venue natin,” he quipped.
This will be the first FIBA game at the Bucaue venue since the Gilas-Boomers game of 2018.
The SBP is hoping for a huge turnout for Window 6.
“February will be a big window for us. We’re hosting it and at the same time, it’s against Jordan and Lebanon. That’s quite an interesting two games for us. It’s also preparatory for the World Cup training. That’s the last window as well for the Qualifiers,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.
