Smoke at 'Big Dome' disrupts PBA 3x3 finale; Govs' Cup Finals Game 6 also in peril

A fire just outside the Smart Araneta Coliseum forced the postponement of the PBA 3x3 Grand Finals. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The final day of the PBA 3x3 Second Conference had to be called off as the interior of the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City was engulfed in smoke.

A broke out at the Red Gate side of the arena, and smoke filled the venue while the game between Platinum Karaoke and Purefoods was ongoing.

The expansion of Gateway Mall is being constructed just outside Smart Araneta Coliseum's Red Gate.

Eventually, all the players and team staff were advised to leave the arena immediately just as firefighters quickly entered "The Big Dome".

According to Twitter page "TXT Fire Philippines", the fire was declared out by around 1:10 p.m. Wednesday, but with everyone already evacuated, the Grand Finals of the 3x3 Second Conference has been deemed postponed.

With the arena also hosting Game 6 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals between Meralco and Ginebra later Wednesday, the said game is also in danger of getting postponed.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial is awaiting word from the Bureau of Fire Protection as of writing if the game should push through as scheduled at 6 p.m. or not.

Game 7, if necessary, is on Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, but if the BFP doesn't clear the PBA for a Wednesday Game 6, the said game could be moved there instead with Game 7 now to be played on Sunday night if the Bolts, trailing 2-3 to the Gin Kings, send the best-of-seven series to sudden death.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno