Spain more than just a FIBA host

MANILA, Philippines - The 2014 FIBA World Championship will give fans from all over the world the best Spain can offer, from its sports facilities to tourist destinations, from Bilbao to Granada, Grand Canaria and Seville where the preliminaries will be held, and in the legendary cities of Barcelona and Madrid, sites of the world finals.

Gilas Pilipinas prepares for its comeback to international basketball in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup set Aug. 30- Sept. 14 in host country Spain.

The Philippine team, last seen on the world stage in 1978, will be up against 23 of the world’s best teams including Korea and Iran in Asia and international basketball heavyweights USA, Spain and Argentina.

“This championship will not only be a convergence of basketball greats and sports fans but it will also be a chance for many to visit and explore all that Spain has to offer,” said Arturo Ortiz, director of Spain Tourism Board for India, SE Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

The preliminary rounds will be held in four cities that offer visitors rich history, culture and the locals’ sheer love of the sport. Bilbao is situated on the bank of the Nervion River; Granada is at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains; Gran Canaria is 200 kilometers off the coast of the African continent; and Seville is the site of the 1992 Universal Exposition.

For those who plan to be a part of this historic event and support their favorite team, “Follow Your Team” passes are now on sale. Available in three kinds – the preliminary round pass, the all rounds pass and the final round pass – fans are assured of seats to their favorite team’s games.

“These passes are the ideal option for those who plan to travel to Spain during the championship,” said Ortiz.

To purchase a “Follow Your Team” pass, choose a team to follow, the phases to attend and the ticket category. There is an advance fee of 5 EUR (P304.72) per game. Visit the FIBA’s official website at www.fiba.com/spain2014 (http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/14/wcm/tickets/p/tickets.html) for more information about the tickets.

After the draw on Feb. 3, three remaining ticket categories will go on sale: Venue Pass: On sale from Feb. 4; Day Pass: On sale from May 5; Session tickets: On sale from July 1

More about Spain: www.spain.info; FIBA championship venue and dates: e-mail [email protected]