The PBA is anticipating a setup similar to the ones being implemented in movie theaters in the event the Inter-Agency Task Force allows the league to welcome back fans in the season-ending Governors’ Cup.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial is working on securing a meeting with IATF officials to discuss the possibility of having an audience on a limited capacity for the import-laden conference which could start Nov. 28.
But Marcial is sensing that games will likely see an attendance similar to the protocols in cinemas which are permitted in areas under Alert Level 2 and 3.
Under IATF guidelines, cinemas can allow up to 30 percent in Alert Level 3 and 50 percent in Alert Level 2.
Metro Manila is currently under Alert Level 2 since Nov. 5, which could permit the entry of fans during PBA games.
“Sigurado di tayo lalayo sa ginagawa ng sinehan,” Marcial said in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum held Tuesday, Nov. 9.
So far, the league has been mapping out plans in preparation for holding PBA games in front of a live crowd for the first time since March 2020.
Marcial bared league officials and staff have been discussing ticket prices, promos, handing out free admission and the possibility of playing a game or two on Christmas.
But those ideas will still have to depend on what will transpire once the IATF meeting transpires.
“Makikipag-usap ako kung ilang percentage ang pupwede, kung gaano kalayo ang seating arrangement nila kung ano pupwede, ano mga protocols, ano mga disinfection at mga safety and protection protocols na kailangan natin,” said Marcial. “Sana magkaroon na ng fans.”