Smart Araneta Coliseum welcomes back fans with PBA games

After months of temporary closure due to the pandemic, Smart Araneta Coliseum welcomes back live audience in time for the latest Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season.

The Big Dome is set to admit fans as PBA plays in its original home in Araneta City for the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup starting December 15. This signifies the return of live viewing audience inside the coliseum since the pandemic.

“All of us missed the live PBA action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. We are excited to welcome once again all the basketball fans as we revive the exciting live basketball energy — the Big Dome style,” said Irene Jose of Uniprom Inc, the entertainment arm of Araneta Group.

PBA has announced on December 10 that the Quezon City LGU has given the go signal to resume the games in the coliseum. The last PBA game in the Big Dome was held last March 8, 2020, just right before that year’s season got postponed due to the COVID-19 scare.

Only 3,000 to 4,000 out of the 16,000 seating capacity will be filled with audience. Fans must be fully vaccinated and must present their vaccination card together with a valid government-issued ID. Fans will be seated 1 seat apart and must wear their face mask at all times. Face shields are non-mandatory and voluntary.

“We are starting to line up a number of upcoming sports events and entertainment shows. Those who miss watching live at the Big Dome will have to watch out for this,” said Jose.

Aside from its regular basketball games, PBA also announced that its 3×3 conference will also be held in the Big Dome on December 21, 22 and 29.

The December 15 games in the Coliseum will see matches between Terrafirma Dyip and Magnolia Hotshots at 3pm, and between NLEX Road Warriors and PBA’s 2021 Philippine Cup champs TNT Tropang Giga at 6pm. Tickets may be purchased at http://www.ticketnet.com.ph.