THE PBA is looking at the SM Mall of Asia Arena as an alternate venue. Commissioner Chito Salud yesterday told Malaya Business Insight the league plans to hold some games at the SM MOA Arena once it is completed next year.

‘Definitely, we will try it out,’ said Salud, who is set to lead a PBA team that will conduct an ocular inspection of the arena in February. ‘As of now foundation pa lang ang nandoon. By April, kita na ang pustura,’ added Salud. ‘At the same time, we want to see the crowd traffic there and how it could affect our gate attendances once it has become one of our venues.’

For starters, the PBA plans to hold some eight to 10 games at the new arena, with the possibility of more depending on the results. ‘We are seriously considering playing there, but as of now ita-try muna natin,’ said Salud. 

The PBA currently holds most of its Metro Manila games at the Araneta Coliseum and Astrodome. Once finished, the new arena will certainly rival the old Big Dome since it could accommodate more than 21,000 fans. Araneta has lately pruned down its capacity to less than 19,000 while the Astrodome would be bursting at the seams with a crowd of 13,000.

One concern is the arena has already sealed hosting partnerships with both the NCAA and UAAP, also for next season. The season just past saw the PBA games and their telecast delayed when the television coveror got as partner the same TV station that aired those collegiate games.

According to PBA Media Bureau chief Willie Marcial one thing made clear to SM officials is that those collegiate games should not come into conflict with the pro league matches’ schedule. ‘Basta ang stand namin by 5:30 p.m. kailangan start na kami,’ related Marcial.

The PBA’s 37th season kicks off with the Philippine Cup on Oct. 2.