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The PBA is prepared to maintain its own bubble in Clark Freeport and the Special Economic Zone in Pampanga for the resumption of its 45th season interrupted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“The team decided to accept Clark’s offer”, League president Ricky Vargas said at a Zoom news conference Thursday, moments after the board of governors met to finalize plans for the season restart.
Last Friday, the CEO of the Base Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Vince Dizon, and the president of Clark Development Corp. (CDC), Noel Manankil, presented to the board a proposal for Clark.
NLEX Road Warriors head coach and former deputy governor of Pampanga, Yeng Guiao, as well as current governor of Pampanga, Dennis “Delta” Pineda, have previously responded that Clark will host the PBA bubble.
“We look at all those who are interested in hosting the PBA and we think that it is the one that has the most complete offer from the point of view of security, particularly protocol, proximity to hospitals, and the capacity to attend to the mental health of the players while they are in the bubble “, Vargas said, as 20 entities submitted proposals to the league.
Selected players, coaches, league officials, staff and members of the media will be staying at the Quest Hotel. The games will be held at the University of Angeles Foundation gymnasium, which has hosted PBA games in the past.
“One of the practice places would be a makeshift tent. The main game would probably be in the gym at the University of Angeles, which is air conditioned. “ Vargas said Clark’s travel time to AUF is 10 minutes.
“Remember, that was also used during the Southeast Asian Games. So that is renewed. Each team will have a dedicated bus that will take them in and out. “ added the governor of TNT.
Pending approval from the Interagency Task Force, the PBA plans to go to the bubble before September 27 and begin skirmishes to better prepare for the October 9 start of the compressed season that is expected to end in the second. December week.
“If all goes forward by September 26, we should be able to proceed to our bubble area and start practice for the 27th and games for October 9.” Vargas said.
When it comes to testing, the league will follow the protocols of the Health Department, according to Marcial. Everyone inside the bubble can no longer leave.
“One thing about Clark is that they have very strict protocols by themselves and they can do real tests. They have hospitals and they have a laboratory there. “ Vargas said.
