A GRAND party kicks off a season-long celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The league gets the ball rolling at the Green Gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday where it will hold a four-hour Fans Day in honor of what the PBA calls its lifeblood.
Players will be interacting with the different fans club in a meet-and-greet event that also features performances by some of the country’s top bands.
Various PBA merchandises are also on sale in the venue.
From the Big Dome, the festivity then shifts to Ortigas Center later in the night when the league hosts a first ever fellowship that traces the 50-year history of Asia’s pioneering pro league.
Former and current players have been invited in the celebration at the Meralco Theater along with officials, managers, team staff, members of the press and PBA employees-all past and present.
Entertainment will be provided by Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano and a host of others as they serenade the guests with songs from 1975 onwards-representing five decades of the PBA’s existence.
Members of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players and Hall of Famers will also be recognized during the program, according to Commissioner Willie Marcial.
‘We’re inviting all of you to the PBA 50th year reunion where we will honor everyone who’s been involved in the league for the past 50 years,’ said Marcial as he urged everyone to extend the invitation in behalf of the league.
The celebration continues Sunday when the league holds the annual Leo Awards at the Novotel Manila, to be followed later in the day by the ushering of Season 50 at the Big Dome, and capped by the lone opening game between long-time rivals Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia.
Marcial said more former players are expected to attend the Sunday gathering.