PBA eyes tie-up with PSC, UP

MANILA, Philippines — There’s about a five-hectare section of a large property being eyed by PBA to construct an arena of its own near the UP-Ayala Land TechnoHub and PHILCOA building in Diliman, Quezon City. A letter expressing interest to use the space has been forwarded to PSC by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial on behalf of the Board of Governors.

The concept is for PSC to collaborate with UP which owns the property. UP is among several State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) which are public, government-funded high education institutions. PSC will tie up with UP because while SUCs may own land, they lack resources for sport/training center development. PBA will then join the partnership, build an arena and enter into a revenue-sharing agreement with UP.

While the arena will be mainly for PBA games, it will also be a venue for UP events like graduation rites. A seating capacity of 8,000-10,000 is in the plans. PBA is now awaiting advice to proceed and has formed a Board committee composed of Marcial, PBA treasurer Atty. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix, Atty. Bill Pamintuan of Meralco and Jason Webb of Magnolia to oversee the project.

PBA has been on the lookout for an accessible land to construct an arena with facilities for office space. In the recent Philippine Cup Finals, games were held at the Ynares Center, Antipolo and MOA Arena as other venues, including the Smart Araneta Coliseum, were booked. Ynares Center Montalban, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Stadium, FilOil EcoOil Centre and UST gym are other venues where PBA has scheduled games.