PBA makes Season 49 debut in MOA Arena for Ginebra-TNT finals opener

After 10 months, Ginebra gets to play at the MOA Arena again. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The PBA returns to the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay for the first two games of the Commissioner's Cup Finals, which will be played between Ginebra and TNT.

The league announced on Friday night, right after both teams clinched their places in the championship series, that the arena, which will host this entire Season 49 for the first time, will be the battleground for Games 1 and 2 on March 14 and 16.

The Gin Kings won the last PBA game held inside the MOA Arena, an 89-84 decision against the Meralco Bolts in Game 5 of last season's Philippine Cup semifinals on May 26, 2024.

Game 1 of the Ginebra-TNT finale will also mark the first time the said venue will add a four-point line to its hardwood.

The showdown between the Gin Kings and Tropang Giga will then make a stop at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig for Game 3 on March 19 before going east to the Ynares Center in Antipolo for Game 4 on March 21.

If necessary, the last three games of the series will be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

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