FIBA World Cup watch parties: Where to catch the games with fellow basketball fans
Day one of the 2023 FIBA World Cup may be over, but the excitement just got real. Fans are still talking about the opening games on social media, and those who missed it are feeling FOMO.
The opening night at the Philippine Arena was a record-breaking event, with 38,115 people in attendance. It beat the previous record of 32,616 set at the 1994 FIBAWC in Toronto, Canada.
Italy defeated Angola, while the second game of the evening was a close match between the Philippines and the Dominican Republic. The latter eventually won by 6 points.
Now, fans—especially the Pinoys—are eager to see their teams face off in the upcoming games. But for some, however, watching the games live is unlikely. Good thing there are watch parties. There's nothing quite like the excitement of watching a sporting event with fellow sports lovers.
So, if you're looking for places to watch the FIBA games outside the official venues, here are some establishments hosting watch parties.
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls
Starting Aug. 25, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls' restaurants and bars will be giving you an opportunity to cheer for your favorite players as they will be hosting viewing parties for the much-awaited game of the year.
Aside from the viewing party, these spots will also offer a fun experience for the viewers as they will be hosting different games.
- 121, Eastwood City
- Agave, Eastwood City
- Bills Lounge, Eastwood City
- Frankies, Eastwood City
- Rue, Eastwood City
- Reserve, Forbes Town
- Tipsy Pig, Forbes Town
- Bugsy’s, Paseo Parkview Suites
- El Calle Food & Music Hall, Newport World Resorts
- Buffalo Wild Wings, Uptown Bonifacio
- Whisky Park, Venice Grand Canal at McKinley Hill
Araneta City
While some of the games will be staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Araneta City will also be hosting viewing parties and activities for basketball lovers who can't watch the matches live.
A viewing party for the Aug. 25 game will be shown at Araneta City’s Coliseum Yellow and Red Gates, while live and selected FIBA games will be streamed from Aug. 27 to 30.
Gilas Pilipinas fans can also score their FIBA merchandise from Aug. 26 to 30 at the Gateway Mall Activity area. In addition, there will be a Gilas face painting session at the Gateway Mall Activity area on Aug. 27 and 29.
Finally, starting August 27, fans can join the FIBA arcade activities, and Gilas pre-game/half-time programs that will take place at Quantum Skyview, New Gateway Mall 2.
Newport World Resorts
Upgrade your FIBA watch party as Newport World Resorts' sophisticated and elegant spots are to host cozy watch parties in partnership with Cignal starting Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.
- El Calle at Newport Mall
- Port Bar at Hilton
- The Lounge at Sheraton
- The Greatroom at Marriott
- The Greatroom at Holiday Inn Express
SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is also set to give their all-out support to Gilas Pilipinas as they will be hosting a watch party on their selected SM Malls nationwide on Aug. 25, 27 and 29, and Sept. 8 and 10.
SM Mall Of Asia Arena
Not a watch party, but basketball fans can enjoy a variety of activities at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Music Hall. There are interactive booths, basketball shooting challenges, dribble challenges, fan shops, raffle prizes, and other exciting activities for a FIBA World Cup experience. The Fan Zone will be open until September 10 during mall hours.
(With reports from Camille Santiago)