Philippines Sports Commission chairperson Richard “Dickie” Bachmann wants to see special lanes for the participating teams in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup from 25 August to 10 September.
Bachmann, also the chairman of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the World Cup hosting, said transportation will be one of the main concerns that will be discussed with the FIBA local organizing committee following a test-event held last month.
The Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, were tapped to host the event as organizers tried their best to simulate the ferrying of players to and from the venues.
“So far, we had a test event and the issue was the transportation time between the hotels and to Philippine Arena (opening day venue). The FIBA LOC will have one more meeting to discuss the traffic situation,” Bachmann said.
“Maybe in the Skyway all the way down to NLEX, there will be a special lane or two lanes for spectators going into the arena. Hopefully, they can keep the toll gates open for people going to the facilities.”
Bachmann also said the two PSC facilities, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig will be the training facilities for the teams competing in the World Cup.
“For teams playing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, they will be playing in Philsports and for teams playing in MoA, they will be practicing in Ninoy Aquino Stadium,” Bachmann said.
“Also, the equipment coming in, the PSC is helping the FIBA LOC. The shipments for the flooring, backstops, it’s all going through the PSC. The government and the FIBA LOC are helping out together.”
