Filipino fans will be in for a treat when the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas, sees action against the the best of the best cagers in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

However, that is not all local fans will be treated to. They will also witness world-renowned performers who will put their talent on display during opening day at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, where basketball aficionados from all over the world gather to try to re-set the attendance record for a FIBA Basketball World Cup game.

Even as the matchup between the Philippines and the Dominican Republic on August 25 is must-see, the opening ceremonies, featuring The Dawn, Ben & Ben, and Sarah Geronimo, is also a can’t-miss affair.

Following a production highlighting Filipino culture through the archipelago’s historical weave patterns, popular band The Dawn will regale those in attendance with their pioneering and award-winning classic Philippine rock-and-roll that lives on through generations, before passing the baton to streaming sensation Ben & Ben, which takes the stage to croon to the crowd their folk-pop tunes.

“Asia’s Popstar Royalty” Sarah G. comes next to entertain the audience with her signature all-out performances, which may very well include a certain viral sensation.

The multi-awarded artists’ performances hope to pump up the “Puso” of a crowd aiming to break the FIBA World Cup attendance record of 32,616.

All this happens after the world meet’s first game pitting top-ranked Italy against scrappy Angola, which tips off at 4:00 p.m., and ahead of the face-off between Gilas Pilipinas and Karl-Anthony Towns-led Dominican Republic at 8:00 p.m. Surrounding all the action inside the mammoth venue are booths of local and global event partners as well as other gimmicks that will give fans an unforgettable experience.

The Philippines will also play host to China, Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Sudan, and USA in the group phase, with the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City serving as settings.

Ticketholders for the opening day at the Philippine Arena will be treated to two world-class games, and can avail of free shuttle services from major transportation hubs, as around 400 buses, using FIBA World Cup-dedicated lanes, will be deployed for the convenience of fans.

World-class entertainment and global basketball are within reach, as tickets for opening day at the Philippine Arena and the Smart-Araneta Coliseum games are available via ticketnet.com.ph, while tickets for the SM Mall of Asia Arena contests are available via smtickets.com.