FOR the first time since the pandemic started, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will have fans in the stands after the Quezon City government gave permission to the league to stage the games of the 2021 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum starting on December 15.
League commissioner Willie Marcial announced this welcome development after Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte gave the green light to the league. He added that all the PBA games, including the 3×3 matches, will be played at the Big Dome until the end of the year. Christmas day games will also be held for the first time in three years.
Marcial said that strict health and safety protocols will be enforced and fans need to be fully vaccinated to gain entry to the games. At the moment, the Smart Araneta Coliseum can accommodate as much as 4,000 people, including players, staff and members of the broadcast team.