MANILA (Philippines) – The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has already shown why it will be the biggest in history after a phenomenal new attendance record was set for the competition on opening day.
A staggering 38,115 fans were inside the Philippine Arena to watch the tournament co-hosts Philippines match up against the Dominican Republic in the Group A clash.
While the number of spectators was measurable in the venue, the breathtaking levels of passion and intensity shown by supporters were simply off the charts.
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Chairman, Richard Carrion stated: “We all knew the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 was going to be special and within the first day we already have evidence of this, having witnessed this historic moment.
“Everyone inside the Philippine Arena will never forget the amazing levels of love for both basketball and the Philippines national team that was cascading around the venue.
“This is just the start for what will be the most memorable event in FIBA’s history and we’re all excited for what lies ahead – both on and off the court. Not only in the Philippines, but also in Japan and Indonesia.”
“Ever since we put in the bid to host the World Cup in 2015, the mission was to showcase the Filipino people’s love for basketball”, stated SBP Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan.
“We often say we’re the best fans in the world, but beating the old FIBA attendance record has proven what we have believed all along.”
To the 38,115 fans at the Philippine Arena, thank you. The world definitely heard us.
The previous record for a FIBA Basketball World Cup game in an indoor arena dates back to the World Cup 1994 Final in Toronto, Canada, when 32,616 spectators witnessed the victory of Dream Team 2 at the SkyDome.
Philippine president Ferdinand Marco Jr and FIBA President Hamane Niang were in attendance to witness this historical moment.
