PBA Schedule Opening 2022: Complete Guide to Match Dates and Venues

As a longtime PBA enthusiast who’s followed the league since the early 2000s, I’ve always looked forward to the release of the season schedule—it’s like unwrapping a gift full of possibilities. The PBA Schedule Opening for 2022 was no exception, bringing with it a fresh wave of excitement, especially with Season 50 just around the corner. This year, the anticipation felt even more intense, partly because of emerging talents like Tyrus Hill, the high-flying Fil-Am who’s currently trying out for Rain or Shine. I remember thinking, this could be one of those seasons where new faces shake up the old guard.

Let’s dive right into the match dates and venues, because honestly, that’s what most fans care about first. The opening games kicked off in early June 2022, with the first week featuring a double-header at the Smart Araneta Coliseum—a venue that’s hosted some of the most iconic moments in PBA history. From my perspective, there’s nothing quite like the energy of a live game there; the roar of the crowd just hits differently. Matches were scheduled across several key locations, including the Mall of Asia Arena and the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, with weekend games often drawing the biggest crowds. I’ve always preferred the weekend slots—they give working folks like me a chance to catch the action without taking time off. The league planned around 120 regular-season games in total, spread over roughly five months, with each team playing about 14 matches in the elimination round. Now, I’ll admit, I might be off by a game or two here, but from what I recall, that was the general structure. It’s a packed calendar, and as someone who’s tried to attend as many games as possible, I can tell you it requires some serious planning.

What makes this schedule particularly interesting is how it sets the stage for players like Tyrus Hill to make their mark. I’ve followed his journey loosely through social media and local sports coverage, and his athleticism is undeniable—think vertical leaps that leave you speechless. Rain or Shine has a reputation for nurturing dynamic players, and if Hill secures that roster spot, he could bring a fresh spark to their lineup. From my experience watching PBA tryouts over the years, it’s often these under-the-radar pickups that end up defining a team’s season. I mean, remember when Scottie Thompson burst onto the scene? Hill has that kind of potential, and the 2022 schedule gives him ample opportunity to prove it. The games against powerhouse teams like Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer, scheduled mostly in mid-July, will be crucial tests. Personally, I’m rooting for him—there’s something thrilling about watching a new talent rise.

Venue selection played a huge role this season, and I’ve got to say, the PBA did a decent job mixing traditional and modern spaces. Smart Araneta, with its capacity of around 16,500, hosted the majority of the high-stakes matches, while the Mall of Asia Arena—which seats roughly 20,000—was reserved for marquee weekends. Having been to both, I slightly favor MOA for its accessibility and newer facilities, but Araneta has that classic, gritty vibe that hardcore fans love. The league also sprinkled in a few games at smaller venues like the Ynares Center, which I appreciate because it brings the action closer to communities outside Metro Manila. It’s a smart move for growing the fanbase, though I wish they’d done more of it—maybe 10-15% of the schedule, based on my rough count.

As the season progressed, the schedule’s pacing felt well-balanced, with back-to-back games in late August creating a playoff-like intensity even before the finals. I recall one particular stretch where Rain or Shine had three games in seven days—a brutal test for any team, especially if they’re integrating new players. From a fan’s viewpoint, that’s when you see true teamwork shine, or crumble. And let’s be real, it’s also when injuries can pile up; I’ve seen seasons where key players got sidelined because of congested fixtures. Hopefully, the league takes notes for future scheduling.

Wrapping this up, the 2022 PBA opening schedule wasn’t just a list of dates—it was a blueprint for drama, rivalry, and breakout moments. With talents like Tyrus Hill waiting in the wings, every game carried the promise of something special. As I look back, I feel a twinge of nostalgia mixed with excitement for what’s next. If you’re a fan like me, mark those calendars and enjoy the ride; seasons like this don’t come around often.