Not only will fans get to see Gilas Pilipinas compete against the best players in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, but they will also witness the best local performers showcasing their talent during the opening day inside the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Basketball aficionados from all over the world will gather to try to set a new attendance record for a FIBA Basketball World Cup game.
The matchup between the Philippines and the Dominican Republic on August 25 is a must-see, and the opening ceremonies, featuring The Dawn, Ben & Ben, and Sarah Geronimo, are also can’t-miss affairs.
The production will highlight Filipino culture through the archipelago’s historical weave patterns.
OPM royalty The Dawn will regale the audience with their pioneering and award-winning classic Philippine rock-and-roll, which has lived on through generations.
They will then pass the baton to streaming sensation Ben & Ben, who will croon folk-pop tunes to the crowd.
“Asia’s Popstar Royalty,” Sarah G., will take the stage next to entertain the audience with her signature all-out performances, which may even include a certain viral sensation.
The performances of these multi-awarded artists aim to pump up the “Puso” of the crowd, aiming to break the FIBA World Cup attendance record of 32,616.
All of this will happen after the world meet’s first game, pitting top-ranked Italy against scrappy Angola, which tips off at 4 p.m., and ahead of the face-off between Gilas Pilipinas and the Karl-Anthony Towns-led Dominican Republic at 8 p.m.
Surrounding all the action inside the mammoth venue are booths of local and global event partners, as well as other gimmicks that will give fans an unforgettable experience.
The Philippines will also play host to China, Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Sudan, and the USA in the group phase, with the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City serving as settings.
Ticketholders for the opening day at the Philippine Arena will be treated to two world-class games and can avail themselves of free shuttle services from major transportation hubs. Around 400 buses, using FIBA World Cup-dedicated lanes, will be deployed for the convenience of fans.
World-class entertainment and global basketball are within reach, as tickets for opening day at the Philippine Arena and the Smart-Araneta Coliseum games are available via ticketnet.com.ph, while tickets for the SM Mall of Asia Arena contests are available via smtickets.com.
