The excitement for the FIBA World Cup is through the roof as Filipinos are definitely excited to see some of the best and brightest hoopers in the world—that includes Gilas Pilipinas.
With the opening set on August 25, fans will be trooping to the Philippine Arena to watch the games and hopefully create history as the largest FIBA crowd.
For those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of Philippine Arena, we’ve got you covered.
How to get to Philippine Arena?
The world's largest indoor arena, situated in Ciudad de Victoria, spans the Bulacan towns of Bocaue and Santa Maria. Reaching it may not be a familiar path for many Filipino families. After all, we don't always commute 30 kilometers north of Manila.
There are numerous ways to get there, as the FIBA Local Organizing Committee has also set up options for your friends and family to consider.
Via private vehicle
Using a private car to the venue may be the easiest and fastest way to get to the arena. However, it can be more expensive.
For those traveling from Metro Manila, the route entails navigating the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and exiting at Marilao, subsequently proceeding along Patubig Road. Access points are available either through the left entrance at Duhat or the right entrance via Mahabang Parang.
Via public transportation
A cheaper option to get to the Philippine Arena is through public transportation.
Consider taking a bus headed for Santa Maria or Bocaue from the Araneta Central Bus Terminal. This journey, which will traverse you through EDSA, should consume slightly over an hour.
Remember to inform the bus driver of your intention to disembark at Barangay Turo, which is just one ride away from Ciudad de Victoria. Upon arriving, hail a tricycle to transport you to the venue.
Via P2P bus rides
Point-to-point are P2P buses provide a more comfortable and premium option for commuters. But what's best about this upcoming global hoops summit is that FIBA has set up free P2P rides!
Register via the P2P bus registration site to get a slot in these cozy buses.
See the graphic below for more information.
Gate opening times
Gates will open at 12 p.m. while the Portals open at 2 p.m.
Security will be strict, hence why there will be no re-entry.
Strictly no VIP entrance as well for non-VIP ticket holders.
Prohibited Items
FIBA has already listed items that will not be allowed inside the venues. Just leave all these items at home to avoid all the hassle.
Once inside the area, here are maps that will allow you to navigate the Philippine Arena better.
First, a map of the arena and its surroundings.
Second, here's another map that shows the actual Philippine Arena and its facilities.
Spectator Entrance
Another tricky part about the Philippine Arena is finding where one will need to enter.
Luckily, FIBA has also made an infographic on where people may lineup based on their tickets.
Make sure to check your tickets and refer to this map. Better yet, just save this photo on your smartphone.
How to exit Philippine Arena?
You’ve watched the game and are now planning to exit the Philippine Arena.
If you brought your own vehicle, your exit route depends on where you parked.
For those unfamiliar with the exit points of the arena, here’s a quick guide. It also includes instructions if you're Northbound or Southbound.
Too many information? They're all essential. So bookmark this page.
Let's go make history!