PBA dedicates season opener to Typhoon Lando victims

MANILA, Philippines -- Following an unprecedented postponement of the league's 41st season opening ceremonies last Sunday, the PBA Board of Governors headed by new Chairman Robert Non has decided to dedicate the season opener to the victims of Typhoon Lando. 

Non announced after the their special board meeting on Monday that all the proceeds on Wednesday season opener will be donated to Typhoon Lando victims. 

“We in the PBA feel for our countrymen who have been affected by the storm. On this note I would like to encourage our basketball fans to come and watch our season opener on Wednesday. You will not just enjoy the games, you will also be helping our kababayans in need,” Non said.

The PBA was forced to cancel their traditional season opener on a Sunday after Lando made its devastating landfall in the north of Luzon that was felt all the way to Metro Manila. 

The league decided to move it to Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena instead of the original schedule in the Smart Araneta Coliseum due to booking problems. The Sunday ticket holders are being refunded as new tickets were released for the Wednesday schedule in Pasay City. 

The opening ceremonies is now scheduled at 5 p.m. followed by the season opening game between the Star Hotshots and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 7 p.m.

“Wednesday’s opener will be something different. Because everyone – from league officials to the players down to the fans – will come there with a purpose and that is to help,” Non added. 

The opening ceremonies is expected to have lost some of its luster due to scheduling conflicts of some of the performers and team muses after the cancelation last Sunday.