UAAP battles scalping with two sets of tickets

The UAAP is planning to sell two sets of tickets for a one-day game, one of which features a La Salle-Ateneo encounter, to stop scalping.

The plan was disclosed by UAAP season 72 president Anton Montinola yesterday who anticipates a sell-out crowd on August 9 when the two exclusive schools clash in the second game of a doubleheader. The first game will pit Far Eastern University against University of the East.

Montinola said during the weekly PSA forum yesterday at Shakey's UN Avenue that having different tickets for the two games would prevent basketball fans from buying tickets from scalpers.

"More tickets to the people who will want to watch at di na sila maghahanap ng pagscalp ng tickets," Montinola.

"You cannot repeal the law of supply and demand. The only way to solve the problem is to increase the supply by doubling it so let's see what happens," said Montinola. "Instead of 17,000 tickets, you'll have 34,000-35,000 tickets to sell."

Meanwhile, the league plans to screen everyone who will watch the games at the Big Dome, the Philsports Arena and other venues because of the concern over the A(H1N1) virus.

The venues will take care of the paying customers. The UAAP will be in charge of the players, coaches, and media," said Montinola. "We will have nurses bring thermometers and require the use of disinfectants."

A festive opening ceremonies dubbed as "One Color, One Goal" is set for July 11 with SBP officials and mayors Sonny Belmonte of Quezon City, Alfredo Lim of Manila, and Bobby Eusebio of Pasig City expected to grace the event.