The stage is set for the grandest basketball event of the year, and the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum is primed to welcome the world to its hallowed courts.
With anticipation mounting, the coliseum is ready to embrace the frenzy of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, hosting the preliminary matches for Groups A and B starting August 26.
The epicenter of Philippine basketball, the Big Dome, is poised to witness an array of fierce battles, as Gilas Pilipinas locks horns with Angola, the Dominican Republic, and Italy in Group A, while Group B sees China, Puerto Rico, South Sudan, and Serbia vying for supremacy.
In preparation for this momentous occasion, the legendary arena has undergone a series of enhancements, all geared toward delivering an unparalleled experience to both FIBA players and the live audience. The spectator seating has been meticulously refurbished, ensuring optimal comfort for those in attendance. Additionally, to cater to the discerning palate of sports enthusiasts, new snack booths have been added, promising an assortment of delectable treats.
To facilitate the influx of fans, a new entrance has been introduced on the upper ground floor of the New Gateway Mall 2, complementing the existing Green and Red Gates. This strategic addition aims to efficiently manage the expected surge of attendees.
For the players, the dugout rooms have been revamped, exuding enhanced convenience and comfort, a testament to the Coliseum’s commitment to delivering the best experience for all stakeholders.
The very heart of the action, the basketball court itself, has received a complete makeover.
The basketball flooring, backboards, rims, and shot clock have been meticulously replaced, ensuring that the playing field is impeccable for the global basketball event. What’s more, the coliseum now boasts a larger LED scoreboard cube, elevating the spectator experience by offering an expansive, larger-than-life view of the on-court action and real-time updates.
Recognizing the significance of media coverage, a dedicated media working area has been allocated near the Coliseum’s Red Gate. This provision caters to the needs of local and foreign journalists who are tasked with bringing the electrifying event to audiences around the world.
In order to guarantee a seamless execution of the FIBA basketball games, the Araneta Group management maintains a steadfast collaboration with the Quezon City LGU and the FIBA Local Organizing Committee.
Irene Jose, Chief Operating Officer of Uniprom Inc., the entertainment arm of Araneta Group, emphasized the historical importance of this event: “Hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup is a momentous highlight for us and for the country this 2023. We are making all the necessary adjustments and improvements to make this once-in-a-lifetime event memorable for all players and audiences at the City of Firsts.”
The upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 preliminary round games for Groups A and B at the Smart Araneta Coliseum are scheduled from August 26 to September 3. Tickets are readily available for purchase at ticketnet.com.ph.
This marks the second time that the Big Dome has assumed the esteemed role of hosting the FIBA World Cup. A glimpse into the past reveals that this iconic arena played host to the 1978 semifinal games and the championship clash where Yugoslavia emerged victorious over the then-defending champions, the Soviet Union.
As the Smart Araneta Coliseum stands ready to open its doors to the world, anticipation reaches a fever pitch. The echoes of past triumphs and the promise of new memories converge in this historic venue, making the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 an event that will undoubtedly etch itself into the annals of basketball history.
