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Coronavirus concerns pushes PBA opening to March 8

The early finals rematch between the Beermen and the Hotshots will have to wait for another week. Dennis Acosta (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Due to the growing outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the PBA resolved to postpone the opening of its 45th season by a week.

Initially scheduled for March 1, the league's new season will now begin on March 8 as announced on Monday.

"It's a preventive measure against nCoV. It's now in place and will be implemented. The safety of our fans, teams, players and officials remain to be our utmost priority," Commissioner Willie Marcial said in a statement.

Despite the postponement of the opening rites, all the activities that will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City will still push through as already planned.

The opening ceremonies will begin with the Leo Awards for the past season followed by the formal opening program and the early Philippine Cup Finals rematch between San Miguel and Magnolia.

Meanwhile, the PBA D-League, which was supposed to begin on Thursday, moved its own opening to March 2.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno