Behind the Scenes of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026: How OCBC Square Transforms into Singapore’s Street Basketball Arena
- SportPlus Feature
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
With just one day before tip-off, Alex Tan, Head of Sports Business Development & Major Events at The Kallang Group, whose team works with global sporting bodies like FIBA, World Rugby and the Women's Tennis Association to bring major international events to Singapore, says the venue build is nearly complete.
The stage is set at OCBC Square as the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup tips off tomorrow at The Kallang.
But while fans will soon see a vibrant arena packed with fast-paced basketball, music and street-style energy, the transformation behind the scenes has been months in the making.
At the heart of the operation is Alex Tan, Head of Sports Business Development & Major Events at The Kallang Group, whose team works with global sporting bodies like FIBA, World Rugby and the Women's Tennis Association to bring major international events to Singapore.
With just one day before tip-off, Tan says the venue build is nearly complete.
“We are D-1, one day before the event, and most of the setup is done,” he explains. “From seating to hospitality, the media area and the fan zone — everything is in place. Right now we’re putting the final touches and running lighting and sound tests.”
Turning OCBC Square into an International Basketball Arena
On a typical day, OCBC Square is simply a public space where commuters, families and joggers pass through the bustling Kallang district.
But during the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, the space is transformed into a professional competition arena built to international standards.
“We create an arena from scratch,” Tan says. “We bring in FIBA-approved flooring tiles designed specifically for 3x3 basketball. The court is owned by us and laid out for each event — you can’t play 3x3 on concrete.”
Around the court, grandstands, hospitality suites, broadcast platforms and fan engagement zones are assembled — all within a compact footprint designed to maximise energy and spectator experience.
Balancing Athletes, Broadcast and Fans
Behind every international sporting event lies a careful balancing act.
For Tan and his team, athlete welfare comes first — but the venue must also accommodate global broadcast demands and thousands of fans.
“Athletes’ needs are paramount,” he says. “We need to provide a safe environment where they can perform and recover properly.
“At the same time, the broadcast areas and media spaces are critical because this event reaches international audiences. Then there’s the fan zone — which is a huge part of the atmosphere.”
Designing a venue that satisfies all three elements simultaneously is often the most complex part of the operation.
What Makes 3x3 Basketball So Exciting?
For newcomers, 3x3 basketball offers a different kind of spectacle compared to the traditional five-on-five format.
Each team fields four players, games are played on a half court with a single basket, and matches last 10 minutes or until a team reaches 21 points.
“The format is very short, quick and exciting,” Tan explains. “That’s why the venue experience also needs to match that fast-paced, urban energy.”
Expect music, dancers, fan activations and a lively courtside atmosphere that reflects the street culture roots of the sport.
Sustainability and a Singapore Twist
One surprising behind-the-scenes detail involves how players travel to the venue.
“Most international events transport athletes by bus or chauffeur,” Tan says. “Unique to the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, players take the MRT to showcase its efficiency as part of our sustainability practices— and it’s just one stop away on the Circle Line.”
The approach aligns with sustainability efforts that also include reusing event furniture and courts from previous tournaments.
Why Hosting Major Sports Events Matters for Singapore
For Tan, who has previously led the APAC leg of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour and worked on international tennis and golf tournaments, bringing events home carries special meaning.
“Hosting events here is different because your friends and family can come and see it,” he says. “But more importantly, events at the The Kallang aren’t just for Kallang — they’re for the whole of Singapore.”
What’s Next at The Kallang
The action won’t stop after the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup.
The venue will also host the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier in April, giving Singapore men's national 3x3 basketball team a chance to qualify for the world stage.
Later in the year, tennis fans can look forward to the Singapore Tennis Open, now upgraded to a WTA 500 event.
Fans can attend the opening day sessions for free, with entertainment including hype squads, fan engagement activities and the Feel Alive Kallang zone.
As the final lights are tested and the court gleams under the Singapore skyline, one thing is certain: by the time the first ball is checked tomorrow, OCBC Square will be ready to deliver one of Asia’s most electrifying urban sports spectacles. Fans hoping to catch the action live will also have the chance to do so for free during the opening rounds. Day session matches on 1 April and 2 April at the OCBC Square during the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup are open to the public at no cost, giving basketball fans and curious newcomers alike the opportunity to experience the fast-paced 3x3 format up close.
With music, fan activations and courtside energy adding to the atmosphere, the free sessions offer an easy way for the community to soak in the excitement at The Kallang. Tickets for FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup are available for purchase here. #FIBA3x3AsiaCup #3x3Asia