By REYNALD MAGALLON
Sarah Geronimo, The Dawn, and Ben&Ben are set to add colors to what is being trumpeted to be a festive opening of the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Philippine Arena on August 25.
Looking to provide a world-class fan experience, the performances from the best local artists are on top of other activities being prepared for the fans by the FIBAWC local organizing committee.
Head of FIBAWC 2023 joint management committee John Lucas shared the development during a press conference following the second inter-agency meeting at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
He was joined by Philippine Sports Commissioner Chairman Richard Bachmann, Chief Implementer and Master Planner for the FIBA World Cup 2023 Ramon “Tats” Suzara, and deputy event director Erika Dy.
According to Lucas, the performances and other interactive activities with the fans are set in between breaks of the matches between Gilas Pilipinas and Dominican Republic in the main event and Italy and Angola in the curtain raiser.
On top of that, the LOC is also looking to ensure, not just the convenience of the players and coaches, but also the fans who will be trooping to the Philippine Arena especially that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is targeting to break the record 32,000 plus fans in attendance in a single game.
“There’s been a lot of new plans on deck. I think we have decided on one plan that we want to simulate again probably during the next concert in the Philippine Arena so we can test it,” said Dy whose team is also working hand-in-hand with MMDA, NLEX officers and other agencies to also ensure the convenience of the fans traveling to the venue.
“The time that we get the players there from there to the hotel is one thing and another important thing is the convenience of the fans to get in and outside the Philippine Arena,” she added.
