Record attendance expected at FIBA World Cup in Philippines / News - Basketnews.com

The local federation is confident the current 32,616-fan single-game World Cup attendance record can be broken in a game between the Dominican Republic and the Philippines. So far, 28,000 tickets have been sold.

Credit: REUTERS/Ezra Acayan Credit REUTERS/Ezra Acayan

With just over a week left until the start of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, a record is expected to be broken during the tournament.

Looking forward to the opportunity to host the event, the president of the Philippine Basketball Federation (SBP), Al S. Panlilio, said that the goal to shatter the World Cup single-game attendance record will be achieved.

The previous record of 32,616 spectators was set during the 1994 FIBA World Championship match between Team USA against Russia.

"I'm hoping [for] the best World Cup ever for FIBA," he said at the Special Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. "I think we're really confident that we'll surpass that. We want to achieve the 50,000 mark."

The record is expected to be broken during the game between the Dominican Republic and the Philippines on August 25th. The match will be played in the Philippine Arena, the largest indoor venue in the world that holds up to 55,000 spectators.

The capacity will be decreased to 46,000 due to additional requirements. So far, 28,000 tickets have been sold for the match. Additional 5,000 purchases are needed to break the current record.

The Philippine Arena set the attendance record for any indoor sporting event this year when 54,589 fans watched Game 7 of the 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup in January between Barangay Ginebra and Bay Area.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.