Local coaches feel Fiba World Cup ticket prices are justified

June 29, 2023 Times Europe

A view of a basketball during the SBP test event for the Fiba World Cup hosting at Smart Araneta Coliseum. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—After the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Invitational Games, National University coach Jeff Napa understands the reason behind the ticket prices for the 2023 Fiba World Cup.

“But really you can’t say (the price is too high) because the event is for a world stage,” ” said Napa after National University’s 94-76 win over Mapua at Mall of Asia Arena in the Fiba World Cup test games.

“There will be a lot of foreigners here that would be expecting to watch so it’s just right. That’s the purpose of this World Cup, to see world-class basketball players compete here.”

But Napa joked about wishing to get free tickets. “Sana maambunan kami ng mga boss namin (Hopefully, we can get something from our bosses),” Napa said in jest.

The ticket prices for the opening day at Philippine Arena, as posted on the Fiba ticket-selling site, are pegged from P999 to P18,899.

Different day passes on different days offer different price ranges.

“Follow My Team” tickets are also being sold as of writing where viewers can follow their team or country’s whole run in the group phase and those cost a tad more.

Serbia, Greece and the Dominican Republic, who will potentially field Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Karl Anthony Towns, respectively, have ticket prices as high as 52,999 pesos.

Coach Charles Tiu, who also steered his squad to a victory earlier in the day, also acknowledged the hefty ticket pricing.

“I am concerned about the tickets, it is a bit expensive but I know how hard the SBP has been working,” told Tiu after mentoring the Blazers to an 88-76 victory over La Salle.

“I dropped by their office the other day and they’re so busy but it’s smart of them to do this test run, I really think they’re preparing well.”