EVENT LAUNCHING. (L-R) Spikers’ Turf president Alyssa Valdez, tournament director Mozzy Ravena, and Sienna Olaso, Cignal's executive vice president and head for channels and content management, during a press conference at Discovery Suites Ortigas on Friday (March 8, 2024). The league's Open Conference will start on March 13 at the Paco Arena in Manila. (Spikers' Turf photo)
MANILA – Expect a bigger and more exciting men's tournament when the Spikers’ Turf kicks off its season with the Open Conference on March 13 at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Nine teams, led by defending champion Cignal, are seeing action in the tournament organized by Sports Vision Management Group Inc.
Out to stop Cignal’s bid for another win are D’Navigators, Maverick, PGJC-Navy, Philippine Air Force, RichMarc Sports, Savouge Aesthetics, VNS Nasty and newly-formed Criss Cross.
Aside from the Paco Arena, games will also be held at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, the Ynares Sports Arena in Antipolo City, and at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
Tournament director Mozzy Ravena is optimistic about the growth and vision for men’s volley, noting the league's commitment to provide fans with a more extensive and thrilling tournament.
“It’s going to be a bigger and more exciting men’s tournament. To many of us here, it was just a dream before. It's just a dream, as much as we appreciate the women’s game, to increase its popularity,” Ravena said during Friday's press conference at Discovery Suites Ortigas.
“That is the vision that we’ve always had years and years ago. Internationally, you all know the men’s game is really popular, so it’s about time that we follow," she added.
Spikers’ Turf president Alyssa Valdez, Creamline’s ace player in the Premier Volleyball League, noted that the teams this year are very solid.
“One thing that’s different this year that the teams are very solid – with definitely quality games. Hopefully, that will be the reason for fans to watch, support and appreciate men’s volleyball,” Valdez said.
Tournament format is a single-round prelims with the top four moving to the semifinals, also a single-round robin phase.
The top two teams will figure in a best-of-three final series, while the battle for the bronze medal is also a best-of-three series.
To ensure wide coverage, games will be broadcasted live on One Sports and One Sports+ with streaming available on the Pilipinas Live App.
Sienna Olaso, Cignal’s vice president for channels and content management, assured fans of an engaging broadcast plan. (PNA)
