The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is set to welcome back live audiences to the stands on April 5, league executives announced today.
Only a limited number of spectators will be welcomed back to the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Patrons must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and present a vaccination card and valid ID upon entry.
At the bleachers, audiences will be required to wear face masks and keep a safe distance from each other while watching the games. Eating and drinking will not be allowed inside the event bowl, but dining areas will be available outside the arena.
UAAP President Emmanuel Calanog said they accelerated the announcement following the placement of Metro Manila to Alert Level 1, the lowest in the country’s five-tier alert system for COVID. Calanog adds that the decision was made in consultation with the Commission on Higher Education and the Pasay local government.
“Our priority is the health and safety of our student-athletes and minimizing the risks of COVID-19. The UAAP is a competition best experienced with students and alumni supporting their respective schools,” Calanog said.
The UP Fighting Maroons have been in a training bubble in preparation for UAAP Season 84. UAAP Executive Director Rene Saguisag said the system will stay in place, as keeping the bubbles intact “has led us to this point of having fans back in the stands.”
The UP Fighting Maroons are facing the first round of eliminations for the basketball tournament for Season 84. The maroon shirts began their season stint on March 26, with a headline basketball match against the ADMU Blue Eagles. They are set to face the UE Red Warriors tomorrow, April 2.
The league’s first-ever bubble season will also welcome back tournaments for cheerdance, chess, poomsae, 3×3 basketball, men’s beach volleyball and women’s volleyball.
READ: UAAP returns after two years. How will it work?
Other collegiate sporting tournaments such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association have yet to welcome back audiences to their games, which are held at the La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City.
Meanwhile, the Premier Volleyball League, the country’s professional volleyball tournament, welcomed back fans to the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan. The Philippine Basketball Association also welcomed back live audiences on February.
Audiences can purchase tickets for UAAP Season 84 on smtickets.com or at the MOA Arena beginning tomorrow, April 2. Those buying tickets on-site at the arena can avail of a student discount for Upper Box and General Admission seats upon presenting their current school ID.
