Long wait over for campers as organizers hand out coveted LeBron tickets

MANILA, Philippines – The LeBron James fever is in full effect and the basketball crazed-Philippines is not an exception as Nike Philippines gave away tickets Wednesday for James’ “Witness History” Manila tour on July 23.

Fans have camped out as early as 7 p.m. Monday night at the Nike Park at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig for the tickets, which were eventually released at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

"Monday night there were about seven people already then another three followed. After that the numbers just grew," Rick Santiago, head of security for the event, told philstar.com.

An estimated 6,000 people lined up for the tickets to the four-time NBA MVP’s first-ever Manila. Despite the huge turnout, the ticket-giving went out smoothly and without trouble.

A staff member holds the tickets to be distributed to fans for free. (Photo by Aldo Avinante)

"The event was peaceful. People just fell in line to get their tickets. All of them are excited for LeBron and hopefully they get to enjoy their experience," Santiago added.

Godwin Alba, the last person in the line, was one of the fans who lined up Tuesday but was fortunate enough to get a stub to claim his ticket.

"Once in a lifetime ito, sakripisyo na din. Matagal ko nang idol si LeBron kaya worth it lahat ng hirap," he said.

Nike Philippines prepared about 4,000 tickets to be given free on a in a first-come, first-served basis.

“Witness History” is going to take place the Mall of Asia Arena.

James and the Miami Heat recently copped their second straight NBA championship last season in an epic seven-game series against the San Antonio Spurs.