UAAP Commissioners and the men’s and women’s basketball team coaches pose for a group photo during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 collegiate basketball press conference at Novotel Hotel in Araneta City on September 4, 2024. This year’s UAAP theme is 'Stronger, Better, Together.' UAAP Season 87 officially begins on September  7, with the opening game set to take place at the Araneta Coliseum. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The UAAP will launch its 87th season on Saturday with a rivalry game and an iconic band highlighting the festivities at the Araneta Coliseum.

Season host University of the Philippines has promised an "extraordinary" opening ceremony featuring some of the university's brightest talents, headlined by the legendary OPM band Eraserheads.

"Our opening ceremony is a celebration of the spirit of unity amid rivalry that defines the UAAP. This year, we aim to celebrate not only the competitive edge of our universities but also the camaraderie and a shared passion that brings us together," said UAAP Season 87 President and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, LLM.

"The performance by the Eraserheads, along with other talented artists from UP, will be a memorable highlight as we embark on a season that truly embodies our theme of unity. We look forward to a season where the excitement of the games and the warmth of our community create an unforgettable experience for everyone," he added.

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There will be just one game on Saturday -- the highly-anticipated showdown between Katipunan rivals UP and the Ateneo de Manila University.

The basketball tournaments will start in full force on Sunday, with 11 games across two venues.

For Season 87, the UAAP will conduct three tournaments in the men's, women's and junior high school boys' divisions.

All juniors high school boys' games, as well as the women's matches between Ateneo and UP and De La Salle University and National University, will take place at the Adamson Gym.

Meanwhile, the Smart Araneta Coliseum will host the men's and women's games between University of the East and University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University and Far Eastern University, as well as the men's game between La Salle and NU.

"As we embrace the theme 'Stronger, Better, Together' for UAAP Season 87, we are thrilled to witness the vibrant competition and unity that define our league. This season will truly exemplify our commitment to elevating the experience for our student-athletes," said UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene "Rebo" Saguisag.