PBA looking to build own arena

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is considering the possibility of having its own arena dedicated to housing its games and league events in the future.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial bared league officials are now looking at properties within Metro Manila where Asia's pioneering professional league could build a venue.

"We're looking at properties in Metro Manila, about two to three hectares ang laki. Malapit na itong matuloy," Marcial said in story published on the league's official website on Monday.

"At kung matuloy at maitayo ito, hindi na maguguluhan ang mga fans kung saan ba ang venue ng PBA games."

[We're looking at properties in Metro Manila, about two to three hectares in size. This is close to happening. And if this is built, fans will no longer be confused where the venue of PBA games will be.]

The league has held games in major venues such as the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City while also staging several matches in other prominent facilities like the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Memorial Coliseum at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Other alternative venues were the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, and PhilSports Arena and Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The PBA has also been staging games in provinces outside of Metro Manila with the likes of Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Quezon, and Rizal hosting the games, especially during All-Star festivities, where the events usually take place out of town.

But the league thinks it's high time to build its own home.

"We're not just re-modeling a house but we're building a house," said PBA chairman Ricky Vargas.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News