$213,000,000 Philippine Arena, Which Hosted Bruno Mars and Katy Perry, Outranks Other FIBA World Cup Venues: Here’s Why

The 2023 FIBA World Cup is the hottest topic in the basketball world currently. With 32 nations set to battle it out for ultimate glory in the event, things are certain to get intense. After China in 2019, Philippines, Japan and Indonesia received the privilege to host this prestigious tournament this year. However, games in Philippines will have an interesting angle. The FIBA World Cup is all set to make a historic return to Philippines in 2023. 45 years after its first-ever edition in the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, FIBA will host its second World Cup in the nation.

The Philippine Arena is among the prevalent venues in the nation that will witness the high-intensity international basketball action. However, there is more than what meets the eye to the Philippine Arena that once hosted the likes of Bruno Mars and Katy Perry. What about the $213M Arena makes it so special?

The 2023 FIBA World Cup brings the action to the stunning Philippine Arena

The Philippine Arena is one of the most important venues for this year’s FIBA World Cup. Although the venue will only host games on one day in the event, its significance transcends the number of games it houses. The state-of-the-art venue has some features that have set it apart from the rest.

The Philippine Arena is the world’s largest indoor arena with a maximum seating capacity of 55,000. It is situated in Ciudad de Victoria and spans the Bulacan towns of Bocaue and Santa Maria. The 36,715-m² fully air-conditioned venue is a one-sided, bowl-shaped Arena featuring a theatre-style stage at one end. It operates as a multi-use venue, catering to sports, religious and concert events.

Given its massive structure, it has hosted several international figures including Bruno Mars and Katy Perry over the years. Mars set the stage on fire at the Philippine Arena with most of his smash hits in a jaw-dropping performance recently. Eight years before Mars’ spectacular performance, pop icon Katy Perry took the stage at the stunning arena, giving her fans a splendid performance as well.

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The venue has been graced by several other iconic musicians as well over the years. Now, the venue will host basketball action with the stakes higher than ever.

The Arena will host an important matchup

With the Arena’s significance, the number of games held at the venue comes as a shock to say the least. With just two games scheduled at the iconic venue, the stakes are higher than ever. However, the only day that the venue will host is the most significant day of all.

The Philippine Arena will host the inaugural game of the FIBA World Cup this year. This game will witness Team Angola take on Team Italy in a high-stakes matchup. This will be followed by Team Dominican Republic taking on the home country, Team Philippines soon after. These matchups will also witness NBA players in action.

Headlined by the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ All-Star center, Karl-Anthony Towns representing Team Dominican Republic, the games will feature several NBA and ex-NBA stars.

Former Golden State Warriors guard, Nico Mannion and Simone Fontecchio of the Atlanta Hawka will represent Team Italy. Furthermore, Jordan Clarkson and Bruno Fernando of the Utah Jazz will represent Team Philippines and Team Angola respectively. FIBA will also host a grand opening ceremony to kick the World Cup off in style between these intense matchups at the Philippine Arena.

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The Philippine Arena may not have many matches scheduled but it definitely has a huge role to play. The world’s largest indoor stadium will host some of the most significant moments of the prestigious World Cup this year. Sounds exciting? Tell us who you’re rooting for in the comments below!