UAAP live crowd possible by 2nd round of basketball event

The UAAP board representatives take a photo together at the pre-tournament press conference of UAAP Season 84. Ivan Saldajeno

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANDALUYONG--There is a possibility that the UAAP might allow fans to watch the games again very soon amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

UAAP Season 84 president Nonong Calanog said on Wednesday that the UAAP board is working to make the games open-door again as soon as possible.

"We're working on having spectators back by the second round, so hopefully our fans and friends from the press will be able to have them back," Calanog said during the pre-tournament press conference at the TV5 Media Center.

Although Pasay and the rest of Metro Manila are currently under Alert Level 1, which allows arenas to accommodate fans at full capacity, the UAAP board has already agreed to have the first round of the men's basketball tournament behind closed doors at the Mall of Asia Arena in the said city.

The league, however, has also decided to have all the eight teams playing in a single day, leading to a seven-playdate first round from March 26-April 9.

It is expected that the UAAP will take the entire Holy Week off, which means the second round could begin as soon as April 19.

"From when we start, it's already the second round, so medyo mabilis lang yun," Calanog added.

How many fans could be accommodated will depend on the quarantine status of Metro Manila by that time.

For now, fans can watch the games live on national television through One Sports and through live streams in Cignal Play and Smart GigaPlay.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno