THE Big Dome is all set for the biggest global basketball event this year. The Smart Araneta Coliseum expects a full house as it hosts the World Cup's preliminary round of basketball matches for Groups A and B starting August 26. Gilas Pilipinas will face Angola, the Dominican Republic and Italy in Group A, while China, Puerto Rico, South Sudan and Serbia will battle it out in Group B.

The iconic Coliseum underwent upgrades and improvements to give International Basketball Federation (FIBA) players and live audiences an experience like no other. Audience seats have been refurbished, and additional snack booths will open to serve the spectators. Apart from the green and red gates, the new coliseum entrance on the upper ground floor of the New Gateway Mall 2 will also open to accommodate the expected crowd.