Those who want to go to the venues and catch the action live at the Southeast Asian Games later this year will be charged entrance tickets.

Ramon Suzara, chief operating officer of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee Foundation, said the rates depend on the sport.

“Of course, for some sports that are not so popular we are trying to fix a minimal rate, [In] all sports, tickets will be charged,” said Suzara, adding that tickets will add value to the events

“We want the public to know that these sports are important. Even for a $1 ticket is enough for them to appreciate what the sport in the SEA Games is.”

Phisgoc is now in the process of striking a deal with a ticketing firm for featured sports in the November 30-December 11 competition.

“Hopefully, we will be signing an agreement with SM Tickets. Sila ang pinakamagandang package, being also a sponsor of the SEA Games,” said Suzara.

The country’s fourth hosting of the SEA Games will feature a record 56 sports and 530 events.

“I think there will be a general pricing but, of course, there will be a semifinals, finals, doon natin medyo tataasan ng konti,” said Suzara. “Although the income of tickets will not be so big, it adds also to the revenue of the SEA Games.”

Suzara added that the seating capacity of venues will be taken into consideration when coming up with rates.

“Volleyball and basketball for sure (will draw huge gate attendance). What is important also is [to know] the number of seats na kailangan. It can be free seating kung walang mga number ang seats pero ili-limit din natin,” he said.

“We need to know the capacity, let’s say for example 10,000 ’yan, we will sell only 8,000 because the other 2,000 (tickets) are for athletes, media, broadcasters, (National Olympic Committee) officials, VIPs and sponsors.”

Basketball will be played at Mall of Asia Arena while volleyball will be held at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Phisgoc earlier announced that 11 sports will be televised live including basketball (5-on-5 and 3x3), volleyball, football, swimming, diving, athletics, badminton, boxing, gymnastics, sepak takraw, taekwondo and esports.

Tickets will be available once the schedule of games and events are finalized.

Participating countries have until September 22 to submit their entry by names while the drawing of lots for team sports is on October 3.

Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.