WHEN the National Collegiate Athletic Association raises its curtains for Season 101 on October 1, all eyes will once again be on the centerpiece of the Grand Old League — the men’s basketball tournament.
And as the NCAA ushers in a new century of collegiate competition with a retooled format, San Beda University is ensuring that the Bedan faithful will be behind their most decorated program — the Red Lions.
To strengthen support, the school has relaunched its Season Pass — a project spearheaded last year by program director Ryu Policarpio and Red Lions legal consultant Atty. Jiboy Cabochan. The initiative proved to be a resounding success in its debut, generating ₱2 million through the generosity of patrons.
“Last season, the program was a big success. We were able to raise significant support through the generosity of our Season Pass holders, generating ₱2,000,000. For this year, we improved in two ways: first, by enhancing the privileges and recognition given to our patrons, and second, by including junior games in the passes,” Policarpio shared. “Just in terms of benefits, the impact it will have on our athletes and the entire Bedan community is undeniable.”
For ₱20,000, alumni, students, supporters, and friends of San Beda can gain access to all scheduled games of the Red Lions, including the playoffs, should the team qualify.
The Season Pass, however, will only be limited to 120 availers, ensuring exclusivity and premium perks such as priority seating, commemorative merchandise, and an exclusive fellowship — a general assembly with players, coaches, school officials, and fellow pass holders.
More importantly, a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the Red Lions basketball program and select teams under the B-Red initiative, extending the impact beyond one team.
“Every contribution from the Season Pass goes to strengthening our teams’ training, facilities, and overall development. In short, the Season Pass is our way of rallying the whole Bedan community together to sustain excellence in sports and continue our tradition of championships,” Policarpio emphasized.
The timing could not be more fitting. The NCAA is rolling out a revamped format this season, blending elements of the NBA play-in and the U.S. NCAA tournament. Member schools will be split into two groups in the eliminations, with the top three from each advancing to a crossover quarterfinal.
Play-in matches between the bottom two squads from each bracket will determine the occupants of the last two slots. The postseason will feature best-of-three semifinals and finals, raising the stakes in pursuit of glory. This shift is a deliberate move to invigorate fan interest, particularly in light of the growing popularity of the UAAP.
For San Beda, it’s also an opportunity to bounce back after last season’s bitter Final Four exit at the hands of the College of Saint Benilde Blazers. With standouts Yukien Andrada and Jomel Puno leading the charge, the Red Lions are hungry to reclaim their place atop the NCAA food chain.
The Red Lions have long embodied excellence, and with initiatives like the Season Pass, San Beda is showing that it is willing to innovate off the court as much as it dominates on it.
For those interested in availing the Season Pass, contact Ryu Policarpio at +639273315471.
(For comments or questions, reach the author at nissi.icasiano@gmail.com or visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nissi.icasiano.)
