THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) kicks off the import-laden Motolite-PBA Fiesta Conference with an opening game on the road pitting Burger King against Sta. Lucia Realtors in Dumaguete City on Feb. 28.

The Provincial Government of Negros Oriental will host the duel between the Realtors and Titans in the first of eight provincial games slated for the season-ending tournament.

In reaction to observations that the teams that would play in Dumaguete City this time are not as popular as the teams that played before, Buddy Ravello, provincial sports coordinator, said all PBA teams are popular.

The province hosted Ginebra, San Miguel Beer, Purefoods, Coca Cola, among others before.

Glenda Descuatan, co-chair of the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center Facilities Board of Management, said in a press conference that it was the PBA top officials who set the event in Dumaguete City.

Descuatan said although the purpose of hosting a PBA match is to get revenue, it still prioritizes "wholesomeness".

Governor Emilio Macias II also said it is the duty of the provincial government to provide a venue for sports-minded Negrenses.

Meanwhile, Mariz Ramirez, manager of the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center Facilities, told Sun.Star that Burger King, formerly Air21 Express, joined the magic four during the All-Filipino conference. The Sta. Lucia Realtors, on the other hand, he said, is the defending champion in the All-Filipino conference.

He still hoped that the event would draw at least 6,000 people as Burger King and Sta. Lucia are the first to use the newly-renovated basketball court of the Macias Sports and Cultural Center. The venue has a total capacity of 7,000.

The Provincial Government spent P5.5 million to renovate the wooden basketball court according to international standards.

Jose Guirit, city sports coordinator, said adding interest to the tip-off match is the debut of national coach Yeng Guiao, who will be calling the shots for Burger King.

The Provincial Government is proud to host the opening match of the PBA this season.

The league also opened last year's Fiesta Cup outside of Metro Manila as Coca-Cola and Talk 'N Text played in Panabo City, Davao Del Norte.