By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Local organizers declared on Tuesday, Aug. 15, that they are “95 percent” ready for the hosting chores of the FIBA World Cup that will open shop on Aug. 25.
“We’re plug in and on play mode, but as you all know, the last five percent is similar to the last two minutes of the game, and that’ where we are right now,” said Erika Dy, the local organizing committee’s deputy event director, during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Meralco Function Hall in Ortigas on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Dy said they are in “plug in and on play mode”, where they have been setting up every critical detail up for FIBA standards in time for the biggest global spectacle in basketball – from preparing the competition venues up to the logistical side that include itinerary and travel time schedules.
“We’re looking forward to it and we’re ready,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio, adding that some of the FIBA working staff and personnel have started arriving in time for the event.
Panlilio also said not only they are hoping for the country to become the best performing Asian team in the event, but also to break the record of having the largest attendance in a FIBA World Cup competition by hosting Gilas Pilipinas’ opening game against Dominican Republic at the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
“We’re confident that we can surpass it. We want to achieve the 50,000 mark,” Panlilio said, adding that home court presence is also critical in Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign.
The biggest attendance on record was 32,616 during the USA-Russia finals in 1994 in Toronto, Canada.
At the moment, organizers have already sold 28,000 tickets.
“We’re close to the goal and we still have 10 days left,” said Dy.
Aside from co-hosting the competition with Indonesia and Japan, the country is also hosting the FIBA Congress and the Hall of Fame induction a few days before the tournament.
