MANILA, Philippines - There is no more fitting venue for the 27th FIBA Asia Championship than the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
At just over a year old, the MOA Arena has compiled a sterling track record in terms of its capability in hosting not only sporting but also entertainment events.
The list of icons from here and abroad, who have graced the Arena, continues to grow and the continental tournament should add to that.
Most of the 15 participating teams are set to be enthralled by the Arena, with its state-of-the-art facilities and capacious accommodations best suited to act as main site of the Aug. 1-11 event to choose the region’s three qualifiers to next year’s World Cup.
Local fans from the collegiate cage and volleyball leagues as well as from the PBA have already had several tastes of the spanking new facility. It should be a welcoming treat as well for those from the other delegations.
The Arena is foremost a sporting venue, basketball in particular.
The MOA Arena has been compared to the best gyms in the world and rightly so, with SM officials maintaining they have even culled the finest qualities of some NBA homecourts and assembled them into one shining place.
Restaurants and food stalls are a-plenty, practically offering the same diversified fare to patrons in the bleachers as well as those in the VIP boxes.
A seating capacity of just under 15,000, a 360-degree LED scoreboard, more than ample parking spaces and a free wi-fi that allows one to instantly access the various social media sites are also included in the package.
The FIBA Asia venue the Arena has also been chosen as venue of the NBA pre-season game between the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers and more events are forthcoming.
For sure, all roads will lead to the Arena once the FIBA Asia starts.
The memories may be tinged by bitterness for those who fail to make the grade. It is hoped that more pleasant memories overall would be had by those who have experienced the MOA Arena.
Mall of Asia Arena will be the official venue for the 27th FIBA Asia Championship 2013 games. Please buy your tickets at any SM Ticket Outlets.