MOA Arena ready for big crowd for LeBron tour

MANILA, Philippines -- A Mall of Asia Arena top official expects another banner crowd to show up at the famed Pasay City sports venue when NBA superstar LeBron James’ makes his second visit to Manila as part of his Nike Tour on Aug. 19-22.

Arnel Gonzales, business unit head of the MOA Arena, said they have yet to receive any official communication from Nike, but reiterated their readiness to roll the red carpet for ‘King James’.

“Wala pang official communication or specific details regarding LeBron. We’re still waiting for it. But then, lagi naman (full house) kasi LeBron iyan,” Gonzales said when reached by Philstar.com.

“We’re prepared naman as far as security and other details.”

James, who is coming off an NBA Finals stint last June during his first season back with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is expected to arrive on Aug. 19 where he’ll be the main guest of the Rise documentary.

The documentary is the new basketball search reality show of Nike, featuring less fortunate kids, who dream of making it big on the hardcourt.

The NBA superstar’s second ‘coming’ will also include a retail store visit at a still undisclosed local Nike branch and a closed-door one-on-one training.

James made his first Manila visit in 2013, where he took time to meet the Philippine sports media, before serving as player-coach of a UAAP All-Star squad that played in a scrimmage game against Gilas Pilipinas at the MOA Arena.

Basketball-crazy fans even went to the extent of camping out for free tickets at Nike’s Global City outlet, just a few days before James’ schedule at the MOA Arena.