The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is welcoming live audiences to the men’s basketball games at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena starting Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
The UAAP announced the availability of tickets for a limited number of spectators to the live games a week after Season 84 opened after a 2-year hiatus amidst the COVID-19 pandemic which stopped Season 82 and canceled Season 83.
Season 84 opened with 8 teams playing on the hardcourt without the usual fans watching from their seats. The university games had previously attracted crowds of students and alumni who kept their respective teams’ spirits buoyed up with cheers, chanting, and singing during the basketball games.
“The UAAP is a competition best experienced with students and alumni supporting their respective schools,” said UAAP president Emmanuel Calanog in an April 1 statement explaining why the association has allowed the public to watch the games live onsite.
Calanog added that the decision to welcome the public was accelerated with Alert Level 1 continuing in Metro Manila and is based on consultations with the league’s biosecurity officers, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Pasay City government.
The eight UAAP basketball teams’ student-athletes have been in their respective “training bubbles” to minimize the risks of COVID-19 exposure before playing at the UAAP.
“While tournament officials, players, and staff are still in a bubble, having fans back in the stands is a significant step back to normalcy for the UAAP,” said Executive Director Atty Rebo Saguisag. “We appreciate the sacrifices of individuals and the member schools in keeping their respective bubbles intact which has led us to this point of having fans back in the stands.”
The association has placed additional health protocols to safeguard the health of student-athletes and fans watching the games:
- Only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed inside the MOA Arena with fans required to present proof of vaccination upon entry.
- Health and safety protocols that include the wearing of masks and social distancing are also implemented inside the arena.
- Eating and drinking are only allowed in designated areas.
UAAP men’s basketball games tickets with discounts can be purchased at MOA Arena.
CHECK OUT UAAP GAMES SCHEDULE & TEAM ROSTERS HERE.
UAAP Team Standings as of April 3:
- Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are leading the team standings with an undefeated 4-0 scorecard.
- University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and De La Salle University Green Archers are in joint 2nd with 3 wins – 1 loss scorecard.
- University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers and National University Bulldogs are in joint 3rd place at 2-2.
- Adamson University Falcons and Far Eastern University Tamaraws are in joint 4th at 1 win – 3 losses.
- University of the East Warriors at the bottom with 0 wins – 4 losses.
The general public can view the matches through the following channels:
- UAAP Varsity Channel
- One Sports Channel 59 free television
- Cignal TV
- Cignal Play
- Smart GigaPlay app
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