PBA back to 100 % crowd capacity under COVID-19 Alert Level 1

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

For the first time after two years, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is back with a 100 % live crowd capacity from March 1-15, 2022.

Following Metro Manila’s designation under COVID-19 Alert Level 1, gatherings and crowds are now allowed to happen.

The Alert Level 1 classification is the lowest category under the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and will now allow indoor and outdoor venues to operate under 100 % attendance.

This is the first time that the league will once again open its doors to the country’s basketball-crazy fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the previous months, the PBA management was able to allow entry of fans in their live games due to the Alert Level 2 status but only 50 % maximum capacity was allowed under the rules of indoor venues.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and the rest of the board are now preparing and anticipating the flocking of the thousands of fans especially since the playoffs are nearing.

A familiar home in the SMART Araneta Coliseum will still be the main venue of the games and updated ticket prices are now posted from the general admission to the premium box.

Despite the return of the full-capacity live fans, the PBA games will still be streamed live on GigaPlay and SMART Sports.