NCAA, Smart Araneta forge venue partnership

MANILA, Philippines - The NCAA and Smart Araneta Coliseum have linked up to hold some of the big games in the country’s oldest collegiate league at the Big Dome starting with the opening of the NCAA’s 88th season tomorrow.

Coaches of the competing schools have also expressed their anticipation of better, more explosive matches at the venue where they snared their most memorable victories.

Michael Noah, chief operating officer of United Promotions Inc., described the partnership between NCAA and Smart Araneta Coliseum as “great cooperation resulting in good competition.”

The NCAA has also tapped a new television partner in AKTV with games to telecast over Monday, Thursday and Saturday starting at 4 p.m.

Various NCAA sports like volleyball, swimming, taekwondo, chess, tennis, table tennis and beach volleyball will also be given full-game coverage and season-long highlights on the premier sports channel on free TV.

“We are very excited to share the college sports experience with our viewers with our partnership with the NCAA,” said Vitto Lazatin, AKTV sports manager. “This year, we are raring to give college sports fans a treat by broadcasting the games at a more convenient time.”

AKTV and NCAA formalized its three-year partnership last April. The NCAA is the latest addition to the line-up of AKTV sports affiliates that includes the UFL (United Football League), PXC (Pacific X-Treme Combat) and the PBA.

Meanwhile, Noah also expressed his excitement to welcome the fans from various schools to the Big Dome.

“The energy of these hotly-contested games can be experienced to the hilt only at the Big Dome because it conforms to elevation, lighting and acoustic standards of world-class venues,” said Noah.

Accessibility is also a big plus with the Big Dome linked to the major transport lines, including MRT and the LRT that connect to most of the schools in the league, making it easier for the students and fans to go and experience world-class viewing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NCAA coaches are also looking forward to having their varsity teams play at the Big Dome, including San Beda coach Ronnie Magsanoc, who has played 15 championships at the Big Dome.

“This is a place of victory for me. I remember the championship games I played here for San Beda, the University of the Philippines, Shell and as a member of the national team,” said Magsanoc.

“These days I also enjoy concerts in this venue. I am really glad that they are coming up with the parking building because I don’t have to park my car far from the venue any longer. Of course, since I live near the Loyola Heights area in QC, the Big Dome is more accessible to me.”