‘A milestone in sports’

PBA looks forward to season restart in Clark bubble

The PBA’s highly anticipated return is now in full swing after gaining provisional approval from the Inter-Agency Task Force for its ‘bubble’ plan.

Announced on Thursday, the PBA will likely begin the restart for the stalled Season 45 Philippine Cup on October 11 in Clark City under strict health and safety protocols.

The PBA ‘ bubble’ which will reportedly cost close to P65 million, is seen as a “milestone” in sports by league chairman Ricky Vargas.

“I think it’s a milestone in sports. We waited so long, six months or more, and the PBA has put everything into this bubble,” said Vargas.

The league will send out teams to Clark in two batches on September 28 and 29 in preparation for the season resumption.

Squads have already undergone novel coronavirus ( COVID- 19) testing this week ahead of their departure for Clark.

Once they enter the bubble, they will need to get tested again and await for their results at the Quest Hotel -- their lodging for the planned bubble.

If players test negative, teams may start doing 5-on5 scrimmages at Angeles University Foundation in Angeles City, which is the official training and games venue for the PBA.

Testing will then be done once every two weeks for the remainder of the season, according to Bases Conversion and Development Corp. chief Vince Dizon.