After the success of the last two seasons of the NCAA, the Grand Old League is set to bring back an innovation they started back in the 88th season of the league: the NCAA on Tour.
During the league’s turnover ceremony that saw San Beda College formally give San Sebastian College-Recoletos hosting duties for the 93rd season of the league, incoming NCAA president Rev. Fr. Nemesio Tolentin, OAR bared their plans for the season — including the aforementioned tour.
“We have discussed some innovations for this incoming season and we’re introducing the NCAA on Tour,” Fr. Tolentin shared.
“Games will be held in schools and some other places so that we can bring the NCAA closer to the people and to the fans.”
The NCAA introduced this back in Season 88 when Colegio de San Juan de Letran was host. Back then, the league played out of town games, specifically in Laguna and Subic. The league is planning to return to this two areas while also hosting games in the school’s gyms for once a week.
And with the rejuvenation of fan interest in the league, the move is seen as something that would bring the league closer to the wider audience.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity and a great privilege for us to lead the NCAA to soar to greater heights,” the incoming president furthered. “We are confident that we can accomplish this responsibility with success with the support and commitment shown by the Management Committee and whole NCAA family.”
“We’re in for reigniting. We want to reignite the spirit and the fire of our fans, so one thing to do that is to bring the games closer and play it in our schools,” incoming chairman Rev. Fr. Glynn Ortega, OAR said.
This season’s game dates will still be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The opening ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 8 with defending champions San Beda Red Lions taking on season-hosts San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags for the 2:00pm game while the Arellano University Chief take on the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals at 4:00pm.
