FIBA Basketball World Cup tips off with record crowd at Manila’s Philippine Arena

The 2023 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup has commenced with a record tournament attendance of 38,115 fans at Manila’s Philippine Arena.

Being hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, the attendance at the 50,000-capacity venue smashed the tournament’s attendance record which had dated back to the 1994 World Cup final in the Canadian city of Toronto when 32,616 spectators saw the USA beat Russia.

Opening in the Philippines today, the 19th edition of FIBA’s flagship event is being hosted by multiple nations for the first time.

Set to run through to 10th September, Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay are also hosting games in the Philippines, with the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta and the Okinawa Arena on the Japanese island of Okinawa will also stage matches.

Pleased by the record crowd, FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Chairman, Richard Carrion stated “we all knew the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 was going to be special and within the first day we already have evidence of this, having witnessed this historic moment.

"Everyone inside the Philippine Arena will never forget the amazing levels of love for both basketball and the Philippines national team that was cascading around the venue.

"This is just the start for what will be the most memorable event in FIBA's history and we're all excited for what lies ahead - both on and off the court. Not only in the Philippines, but also in Japan and Indonesia."

Philippine Basketball Association (SBP) chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan added “ever since we put in the bid to host the World Cup in 2015, the mission was to showcase the Filipino people’s love for basketball.

"We often say we’re the best fans in the world, but beating the old FIBA attendance record has proven what we have believed all along.

“To the 38,115 fans at the Philippine Arena, thank you. The world definitely heard us."

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and FIBA President Hamane Niang were in attendance to witness this historical moment.

Image courtesy of FIBA.