A grand party kicks off a season-long celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association.
The league gets the ball rolling at the green gate of Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, where it will hold a four-hour fans’ day in honor of what the PBA considers its lifeblood. Players will be interacting with the different fan clubs in a meet-and-greet event that also features performances by the PBA’s All-Star band.
Various PBA merchandise is also on sale in the venue.
From Araneta Center, the festivity then shifts to Ortigas 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 to 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, APO Hiking Society, Bituin Escalante, 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.
The celebration continues on Sunday when the league holds the annual Leo Awards at Novotel Manila, followed by the ushering in of Season 50 at the Big Dome where the lone opening game between long-time rivals Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia is set.
Marcial said more former players are expected to attend the Sunday gathering.