Ticket prices: Take it or leave it

MANILA, Philippines - Despite a markup in the ticket prices for the last three days of the 27th FIBA-Asia Championship, they are still selling like hotcakes.

The Mall of Asia Arena has never had it so good, not for consecutive days that the place is almost packed to the rafters.

In the Philippines’ game against Chinese Taipei, one which Gilas bitterly lost, a crowd of 19,638 came to watch and cheer.

The tournament enters its last three days today with new ticket prices that goes higher each day.

For today’s quarterfinals, it’s P3,800 for the VIP box, P2,300 for Patron A, P2,000 for Patron B, P1,500 for Lower A, P1,000 for Lower B, P300 for Upper and P100 for seats up in the Himalayas.

In the semis, the prices move up to P4,500 for VIP, P2,800 for Patron A, P2,500 for Patron B, P2,000 for Lower A, P1,500 for Lower B and still P300 and P100 for the bleachers section.

In the finals, it’s take-it-or-leave-it.

Each ticket to the VIP box, which includes food and drinks and a private comfort room, will then cost P5,300 each, followed by P3,300 for Patron A, P3,000 for Patron B, P2,500 for Lower A, P2,000 for Lower B, P350 for Upper and still P100 for general admission. 

For the desperate ones, the black market offers tickets at prices twice or thrice as much higher than face value.

The Mall of Asia Arena is good for 16,000 seats but for big events, SRO tickets in the different levels are being sold.

There were long lines at the main venue and a separate ticketing booth at SM Mega Mall yesterday, and for as long as Gilas Pilipinas is in contention, the demand will be there.

Everybody just wants piece of the action.