PVL rides high on massive fan support

MANILA, Philippines — The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) will try to ride on its highly successful Open Conference as it gears towards staging two more conferences this year – the Asian Invitational in July and the Reinforced Conference in October.

The league, now on its second season as a pro, had its best season thus far after drawing full-house crowds when it opened its doors to fans late in the group stages up to the finals.

“For the next conference (Invitational), it will be a short one in July but in the Reinforced Conference in October or November, we’ll have longer tournament, about eight to 10 weeks. We’ll have imports,” said PVL president Ricky Palou.

PVL commissioner Tonyboy Liao said they are ready to stage the playoff rounds either at the MOA Arena in Pasay or the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City to accommodate more fans.

It can be recalled that the league drew around 15,000-16,000 fans in Game 2 of the semifinal duel between Creamline and Choco Mucho and a little less than 14,000 spectators in Game 1 of the title showdown between Creamline and Petro Gazz.

In Game 1 of the semis, it had a packed crowd of 5,000 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan and 7,000 to 8,000 when it was held at the Ynares Center in Antipolo in Game 2 of the finals.

Creamline ended up snaring the crown.

“Yes, we’re going to do that next conference in July,” said Liao.