Saguisag bares plans for a "fan-friendly" UAAP

With two seasons of overseeing basketball tucked under his belt, UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag is learning the grips of his new job, one day at a time.

By Kevin Estrada

PASAY -- The 80th season of the UAAP were promised to be great and legendary, celebrating eight decades of excellence in college sports.

For the newly-minted executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, he had a lot of ideas that went through his mind to make it happen.

Baring his plans to Dugout Philippines minutes after the season-opening presser at the Mall of Asia, he said that a lot of things were discussed along with UAAP Season 80 president Anton Montinola, including bringing the games to the best venues and adjusting the schedules of some events.

"Ang fan-base natin, nag-widen na to include the kids. It's going to be millennial-friendly," said the former commissioner of basketball in season 78 and 79, who is learning the new job that he took since last month.

He reveals that he is in touch with an IT company to create an interactive app to enhance the in-arena experience of the fans for the centerpiece basketball tournament.

Furthermore, Atty. Saguisag is also welcomes the proposal to bring the students closer to the athletes by designating the student sections near the baskets in venues, which is a longstanding tradition in US college scene.

"We'll look into that. Traditionally, the tickets on the courtside were allocated to the VIP who are not as lively as the students," he added, noting that they will do some pilot tests on it in some games.

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