The hype over the Philippines’ hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup failed to translate to warm bodies in the stadiums where games were held, with no less than the secretary-general of the sporting body expressing dismay over the low attendance.
FIBA chief Andreas Zagklis attributed the low attendance to the games to high ticket prices, which made them unaffordable for many Filipino basketball fans.
“The pricing of the tickets, which was determined by the local (organizing committee) but reviewed by FIBA – so we have our share in this – we were part of this process. For some categories, it was unsuccessful,” Zagklis said.
“In some pricing categories, we were not right in our judgment before the tournament and this is something for sure to review,” he added.
Tickets for group elimination games were priced at P11,099, while those for the semifinals and finals matches cost P27,299.
Bilyonaryo Manuel V. Pangilinan led the organizing committee for the Philippines’ hosting of the tournament, which ran from August 25 to September 10.
Indeed, venue bleachers were never entirely full even during the games of home team Gilas Pilipinas, whether it was held at the Philippine Arena or at the Araneta Coliseum.
Many fans opted to watch the games instead on television or via streaming to save on costs.