A simple opening ceremony could usher in the start of the PBA’s 43rd season on Sunday as the league is scrambling to make sure the occasion would run as smooth as possible.
PBA Communications and External Affairs head Willie Marcial said the league is scheduled to hold talks with broadcast carrier TV5 regarding the plans which was delayed following the impasse that marred the offseason.
What Marcial assured is that the traditional parade of all 12 teams and their muses will be held before San Miguel begins its quest for a fourth straight Philippine Cup title against Phoenix in the lone game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Magme-meeting pa kami regarding sa opening ng TV5, pero sa pagkakaalam ko nagahol din sila sa oras gawa ng mga pangyayari kaya meron tayo sigurong kahit konting opening,” Marcial said during the PBA’s press conference held Wednesday at Okada Manila in Parañaque City.
So far, the league has released a partial schedule of the Philippine Cup, the only confirmed dates being the matches set from Sunday’s opener until Dec. 29.
A Christmas Day doubleheader which includes the match between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Magnolia are scheduled at the Philippine Arena while venues of other games are at the Philsports Arena, The Arena in San Juan and the Cuneta Astrodome.
The league is hoping to put aside the impasse that nearly put the opening in jeopardy and let the games become the main focus of fans.
But the PBA is also aiming to improve last season’s slight increase of three percent, a far cry from past numbers.