NCAA Season Milestone: 100 years of inspiring legacies opens at SM Mall of Asia Arena

[Pasay City, Metro Manila – September 4, 2024] — The whole community of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rejoices not only because a new exciting and thrilling season begins, but also to celebrate the winning moment of reaching a century with the theme “Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies".

In the last ten decades, the NCAA—the country’s first athletic collegiate league—has produced many iconic athletes and legends who have made an immense contribution in the country’s sports industry. Now in its historic centennial year, the NCAA recognizes the achievements of the past 99 seasons and continues to inspire individuals to exemplify sportsmanship and camaraderie.

NCAA begins its centennial season at the SM Mall of Asia Arena where fans look forward to the thrilling games of competing teams from 10 schools: San Beda University, Arellano University, College of Saint Benilde, Emilio Aguinaldo College, José Rizal University, Mapúa University, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, San Sebastian College, Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the host school, Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Season 100: Inspiring Legacies

On September 7, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the NCAA held its Season 100 opening ceremony and the start of action-packed basketball games. For the first time ever since becoming a regular member of the league in 2015, Lyceum of the Philippines University has been given the honor to host this NCAA’s centennial season.

“The NCAA Siglo Uno is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to push our limits, show our dedication, and inspire one another to achieve greatness. At the same time, it’s a venue to hold our virtues, build character, and embody principles that support a fulfilling life and become citizens built on moral discipline,” said Season 100 Policy Board President Atty. Roberto Laurel of Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Atty. Roberto Laurel expressed optimism for the league’s future and reminded audiences about its vision. “Let NCAA Season 100 be a testament to our collective will to excel and our commitment to promoting fairness, camaraderie, and inspiring legacies,” Laurel declared.

Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara also shared a message saying that the NCAA league sponsors camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship, which are values not only important in sports but in real life.

Spectacle of lights and sounds

Each school’s star athlete was given a plaque of recognition for their outstanding contributions to the country’ oldest collegiate league. Athletes Baser Amer (San Beda University, basketball, represented by Yukien Andrada), Mark Harry A. Diones (José Rizal University, track & field), RJ Jazul (Colegio de San Juan de Letran, basketball), Adrian Nocum (Mapúa University, basketball), Allyn Bulanadi (San Sebastian College, basketball), Louie Ramirez (University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, volleyball), Ryan Jacolo (College of Saint Benilde, table tennis), Regine Arocha (Arellano University, volleyball), Sidney Onwubere (Emilio Aguinaldo College, basketball), and CJ Perez (Lyceum of the Philippines University, basketball) were among those honored by the NCAA.

G22 or dubbed “P-pop female alphas” consisting of members AJ, Alfea, and Jaz enthralled the crowd by singing the NCAA theme song “Own the Future”.

To add more vibrancy to this remarkable opening ceremony, P-pop boy group SB19 member Justin delivered stellar performances and P-pop girl group, G22 dazzled the audiences with a performance of the NCAA theme song “Own the Future”.

Venue of choice for milestones

The SM Mall of Asia Arena is proud to have witnessed a lot of local milestones in the sports industry, in fact, in 2012, SM Mall of Asia Arena holds the Season 75 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) when host school National University feted the diamond year with the theme “Unbreakable at 75”.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, which took place one year ago from August 25 to September 10, 2023, captured the world's attention. It especially became momentous when Germany emerged victorious overall and made history by winning their first-ever World Cup title. SM Mall of Asia Arena will be filled with thrilling cheers again in the highly anticipated 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship happening from September 12 to 28, 2025.

Apart from hosting milestones of local sports leagues, the SM Mall of Asia Arena has been home to phenomenal world-class international sports events such as the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 group and final phases.

True to its commitment

For over 12 years, the SM Mall of Asia Arena has been trusted to be the venue for hosting the most prestigious and historic events that have shaped people’s lives. It has upgraded its facilities to uphold its dedication to be the preferred and top-of-mind venue for local and international live entertainment and sporting events, and to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for patrons.

The SM Mall of Asia Arena is proud to be the venue for the recent NCAA Season 100 opening ceremony and stays true to its commitment to holding milestone events that impact people’s lives.

The SM Mall of Asia Arena has demonstrated its commitment to world-class standards and customer service excellence by installing turnstile entrances, adding sound acoustic panels, painting the dug-out room and seat sections, and renovating the basketball court flooring. This will enable the venue to host more events that will have a lasting impact on many fans.

To learn more about the SM Mall of Asia Arena, visit www.mallofasia-arena.com or follow @moaarena on social media. You may buy tickets for our upcoming shows online at www.smtickets.com or at any authorized SM Tickets outlet nationwide.

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