PBA ball clubs can finally return to work in preparation for the planned 2021 Philippine Cup resumption by the first week of September.
Commissioner Willie Marcial said that the league’s member teams can start their practices by Tuesday after receiving approval from the local government unit (LGU) of Pampanga to conduct workouts in the province.
Teams have already undergone the necessary testing protocols and will begin rolling into Pampanga on Monday, he added.
“Pinayagan na mag-practice muna,” the fourth-year league chief told Tiebreaker Times, Saturday afternoon.
The league reported through its official website that teams can practice at three separate venues — namely the AUF Sports and Cultural Center in Angeles City; Beverly Place in Mexico; and Colegio De Sebastian in San Fernando.
The AUF Arena is famously known as the venue of last year’s Philippine Cup. Marcial, though, said they may not use it for this year’s all-local conference as Governor Dennis Pineda suggested another one.
The amiable executive, however, declined to divulge further details regarding such. They continue to await word from the governor.
Also being awaited by the PBA is the formal go-signal of the Pampanga LGU for its return to action. Marcial has his fingers crossed that it would arrive sooner so that they could finally get the ball rolling once more.
The league last played back in August 1 before suspending play in accordance with health and safety protocols. It will play in a closed-circuit set-up within the province — a departure from last year’s bubble.
“Siguro after a week, seven to eight days of practice, magsisimula na tayo — kapag may permiso na.”
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