Star-studded lineup for FIBA Worlds opening – SBP

Multiple celebrities are expected to take part in the opening ceremony of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced on Wednesday.

Sarah Geronimo, The Dawn, and Ben&Ben are expected to perform at the ceremonies that will take place on August 25 at the Philippine Arena.

PHOTO FROM SBP FACEBOOK PAGE

“Not only will fans get to see Gilas Pilipinas go at it with the best of the best players in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, they will also witness world-renowned performers put their talent on display during opening day inside the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, as basketball aficionados from all over the world gather to try to re-set the attendance record for a FIBA Basketball World Cup game,” the SBP announcement read.

“The multi-awarded artists' performances hope to pump up the 'Puso' (heart) of a crowd aiming to break the FIBA World Cup attendance record of 32,616,” it added.

The ceremonies will take place in between two games, after the first game between Italy and Angola at 4 p.m. and the second game at 8 p.m., involving hosts Gilas Pilipinas and the Dominican Republic, which will be led by NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns.

Apart from Italy, Angola and the Dominican Republic, China, Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Sudan, and the United States will also be playing in the group phase games in the Philippines, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Tickets for the August 25 games and opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena and games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum can be purchased via Ticketnet, while those in the MOA Arena are available via SM Tickets.