Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena expresses interest in hosting PBA bubble

The Philippine Basketball Association recently announced that it is considering a bubble concept similar to the set-up of the NBA at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for the resumption of the 2020 Philippine Cup.

The league had initially considered Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, INSPIRE Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna as well as undisclosed venues in Pampanga and Batangas as possible venues for the restart.

Upon learning of the development, Mark Jan Kar, the commercial director of the famed Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, expressed interest and is now in exploratory talks with the PBA Commissioner’s Office.

“Nag-inquire sila tungkol sa ano ang mga kailangan kasi very willing sila to have the PBA bubble in Dubai,” confirmed league commissioner Willie Marcial.

The amiable executive added that he already had some exchanges of emails with Kar with regards to the matter.

Coca-Cola Arena has already hosted a pair of PBA elimination round games featuring the NLEX Road Warriors, the San Miguel Beermen and Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel during the 2019 Governors’ Cup.

Aside from the United Arab Emirates, there are also inquiries from groups who are looking at the possibility of bringing the games to Baguio and El Nido in Palawan.