PBA to welcome back fans starting February 16

Fans will soon be allowed in the stands as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is once again opening its doors to the audience starting next Wednesday, February 16.

League commissioner Willie Marcial on Saturday said fans who wish to watch the games live at the Araneta Coliseum can start booking ticket reservations starting Sunday, February 13.

Marcial said the decision came after the fact that 100 percent of the players are now vaccinated while almost 95 percent have received their booster shots against COVID-19.

"Pwede na sila magpa-reserve ng tickets starting tomorrow para sa games natin. Kaya natin 'to ginawa, una kasi 100 percent vaccinated na 'yung mga players and two, halaos 95 percent naka-booster na," said Marcial before the members of the media.

"And bumababa na rin 'yung pandemic. Sa NCR, 'yung average (cases), 'di na tumataas ng 500 per day."

Marcial added that PBA has discussed the matters with venue organizers and said the Big Dome has welcomed the idea of welcoming back the fans.

"Starting Wednesday, pwede na ulit mga fans. Nakausap ko na rin ang Araneta kanina, green and go na rin sila na nasimulan na natin papasukin mga fans."

Games on Wednesday will feature NLEX and Magnolia at 3 p.m. followed by a clash between San Miguel and TNT at 6 p.m.

—JMB, GMA News