The newly-established, 10,000-seater Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela will be the site of the two legs of The Asian Tournament in August and December this year.
The local government of Ilagan agreed to host the staging of two events of this fastest-growing Asian tournament, which has been travelling in different parts of the region and this bustling city from the corn capital of the Philippines is now beginning to make its presence felt as the new sports hub by agreeing to host two legs of this international event.
Present during the meeting were Mayor Jay Diaz, who was joined by his sons – Councilor Jayve Diaz, Jeao Diaz and Board Member Evyn Jay Diaz – as well as Nori Uy, managing director of Nudge+, who represented the Asian Tournament being its official coverage partner.
“If we were able to bring the Asian Tournament in different Asian countries and provinces in the Philippines, why not bring it to my hometown Isabela,” said Uy.
The Diaz family, on the other hand, is excited to stage another sporting milestone in the city.
“We really want to make our city as the new sports hub of the province,” Jeao said.
Jeao is also the co-team owner of the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys in the MPBL.
Ilagan Isabela also hosted several major local and international sporting events in the past, including the Asian Youth Athletics event, Palarong Pambansa and PRISAA.
Just recently, the Capital Arena also opened the new season of the MPBL where the Cowboys are the latest expansion squad.
The Diaz family, who’s been a staunch backer of sports programs, is also looking on staging a few more events while bracing for the hosting of The Asian Tournament, an event where former NBA stars Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins also participate.
