FIBA World Cup 2023 At Indonesia Arena Makes Proud

Indonesia Arena, FIBA World Cup 2023 venue. (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - The holding of the FIBA World Cup 2023 at the Indonesia Arena set a proud record. The event at the Indonesia Arena recorded the record for the highest number of spectators in the preliminary round matches.

Based on data from ticket sales during the 10 days of the event, the number of spectators in the two 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifying rounds in Jakarta reached a total of 139,032 people. If added with FIBA guests, sponsors, and invitees, the total number of viewers can reach almost 150,000 people.

This figure is the highest among spectators to attend the 2023 FIBA World Cup preliminary round matches in two other host locations, namely in Okinawa Japan and Manila Philippines.

There were two matches that recorded the highest number of spectators for 10 days of the event, namely in the opening party and the closing party of the second round of group qualification.

In the opening match of the Group H preliminary round, together Canada and France on August 25 were attended by 12,091 spectators and became the second most matches attended by spectators during the implementation.

While the most watched live matches were in the final match of the second round of Group L qualifiers, between Canada and Spain on September 3 with 13,146 spectators.

Since the opening of the FIBA World Cup 2023 ticket purchases, matches featuring Canadian and Spanish teams have become the most hunted matches, even on the first day of the group match, all match tickets for Canadian and Spanish matches have been sold out.

No wonder, because Spain is the defending champion of the previous edition of the FIBA World Cup. Meanwhile, Canada is the team that has the most NBA players competing in Indonesia.

The surprise also came during Latvian matches, although the number of ticket sales was not as much as Canadian and Spanish matches, Latvian supporters also enlivened his team's entire matches with all the knick-knacks and chants. Uniquely, the majority of Latvian supporters came directly from their country to Jakarta, Indonesia.

FIBA Board member Erick Thohir appreciated the achievement of the implementation of the Basketball World Cup in Indonesia. According to him, broadcasting matches at Indonesia Arena around the world can also be a promotion for Indonesia.

"FIBA also praised the implementation in Indonesia, they were surprised because it was very good. But sometimes what was less branded. Then, what also received appreciation was that the number of Indonesian viewers reached more than 111,000, this was extraordinary. It was still the highest between matches (group stage) in Japan and the Philippines. That's an extraordinary number," he said, as quoted by Antara.

According to him, the implementation of the FIBA World Cup 2023 has a good impact on the development of Indonesian basketball achievements as well as the basketball industry, where Indonesia is considered to be able to transform well in terms of competition.

The holding of the FIBA World Cup 2023 at the Indonesia Arena also received recognition from outside parties. FIBA appreciates Indonesia for being a success even though it was the first time holding this event.

Director General of FIBA for Media and Marketing Frank Leenders acknowledged Indonesia's success as the organizer.

"I really enjoy the incredible hospitality and the great organization of this World Cup in Jakarta. You set a number of new standards," said Leenders.

Previously, a number of players from several countries also expressed their admiration and gratitude for the implementation of the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Jakarta. LOC, they said, accommodates all needs well.

FIBA World Cup 2023 chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono thanked all LOC members and all those who helped successfully organize the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Jakarta.

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work of LOC for months, the central government, and DKI Jakarta, as well as all those who helped so that this event could run successfully and make Indonesia proud," said Budi.