The PBA has finally entered its much-awaited week, with the celebration of the league’s 50th anniversary being split into two events, one on the hardcourt and the other in a formal setting.

Wednesday’s doubleheader at historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum will not just be a retro night that culminates with defending Philippine Cup champion Meralco and San Miguel Beer donning uniforms from their past.

Apart from offering P50 tickets for lower box sections, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial decided to amp things up by giving free admission to fans who were born in 1975, the year that the league was founded.

“It is our way of giving back to the fans and thank them for all of their support through the league’s 50 years,” Marcial said in Filipino.

Title with Jaworski

Meralco is set to sport jerseys from its Micaa (Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association) days, possibly the same unis when the company won its only title in the tournament back in 1971, with a roster featuring Robert Jaworski.

San Miguel, meanwhile, is set to sport white tops and red shorts that will resemble those featured in 1982, the same season current Meralco senior consultant Norman Black powered the Beermen to two Finals appearances and to the Invitational crown.

Magnolia, another team with a rich PBA history when it started in 1988 as Purefoods, faces Converge, the youngest franchise in the league, in the opener.

Friday, on the other hand, will have no games as the PBA holds a black-tie affair at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, with the highlight being the formal recognition of the league’s 50 Greatest Players.

It was last week that a search committee named Nelson Asaytono, Danny Seigle, Abe King, Arnie Tuadles, Bong Hawkins, Manny Victorino, Yoyoy Villamin, Jeffrey Cariaso, June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson as the 10 who will join those from the 40 Greatest named in 2015.

Other pioneering individuals are expected to be honored during Friday’s festivities. INQ