File – Marun vs. NU Bulldogs in UAAP Season 84. UAAP photo
MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP has officially announced the return of spectators with limited power to the Mall of Asia Arena starting Tuesday.
UAAP Season 84 President Emanuel Calang said the board decided to bring fans back to the stand after discussions with the league’s biosecurity officer, the Commission on Higher Education and Passage City’s LGU.
“We’ve accelerated the opening for live listeners by running alert level 1 on Metro Manila,” Calang said.
“Our priority is the health and safety of our student athletes and reducing the risk of COVID-19. After consulting with our health officials and setting up some additional protocols, we are now ready to get fans back on the field. UAAP is a competition where students and alumni get the best experience in supporting their respective schools. “
The League MOA Arena will open the bottom box, top box and general admission door for fans. The ringside and patron area will be exclusive to bubble representatives.
An announcement from UAAP pic.twitter.com/rqN7SPTONS
– UAAP (uaap_84) April 1, 2022
“While tournament officials, players and staff are still in a bubble, the return of fans to the stands is a significant step towards UAAP’s return to normalcy,” said executive director Atti. Renেনে “Rebo” Saguisag. “We appreciate the sacrifices made by individuals and member-schools to keep their respective bubbles intact, which has brought our fans back to the stage.”
Only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed inside the venue, with fans required to present proof of vaccination at the time of admission and to follow health and safety protocols, including wearing a mask and social distance. Eating and drinking are permitted in designated areas only.
Students are being encouraged to purchase their tickets from MOA Arena from Saturday to avail discounts.
Unfortunately, the clash between the country’s fiercest collegiate rivals Atenio and La Salle will be the last UAAP game behind closed doors.
On Tuesday, a clash between La Salle and the University of Santo Thomas at 10 a.m. will raise the curtain for fans. The University of the Philippines will fight Adamson at 1 p.m., followed by a ‘War of the East’ between Far Eastern University and the University of the East at 4 p.m.
Transfer Dave Ildefenso and defending champion Atenio are battling with his brother Shawn and former team National University to cap the first UAAP match with live spectators in the epidemic at 7 p.m.
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