SM has opened the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, the centerpiece of an integrated entertainment, convention and hospitality complex that represents about ₱8 billion in investment and is expected to strengthen Cebu’s position as a hub for business events, tourism and live entertainment.
The development includes the arena, an SMX convention center and two hotels under the Park Inn and Radisson brands.
The arena sits on a 19,000-square-meter site and has about 70,000 square meters of gross floor area. It can accommodate up to 25,000 people and features 30 premier suites for corporate guests and VIPs.
Chico Sy, president of SM Engineering, Design and Development Corp. (SMEDD), said the convention center is on track for completion by the end of the year, with its first events expected in the first quarter of next year.
The two hotels are scheduled to open in the first half of 2028.
“We wanted to make sure we’re able to give affordable accommodation and also very good luxury accommodation,” Sy said, adding that the two hotel brands are intended to cater to different segments of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market.
He said the integrated complex is designed to support Cebu’s growing events industry by providing venues, accommodations and entertainment facilities in one location.
Sy also sees the development expanding Cebu’s appeal to international visitors by combining world-class entertainment with the province’s tourism offerings.
“When you bring in someone like a major international act, people from Korea, Indonesia and Singapore can also come because we have a beautiful venue here and a beautiful island,” he said.
“Combining that concert with the island, that tourism combination, I think that’s wonderful.”
He said the concept could help position Cebu as a destination for both global entertainment and international tourism, particularly given its direct international flights and established reputation as one of the country’s leading leisure destinations.
Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings, said the Cebu arena reflects the company’s long-term confidence in Cebu’s growth.
He credited the late Henry Sy Sr. for acquiring the North Reclamation property more than two decades ago, making the development possible.
“My father has always believed in Cebu,” Hans Sy said.
He added that SM is exploring similar arena-led developments as part of future township projects, although no new location has been identified.
“This was done 20 years ago when we had big pieces of land,” he said. “I’m sure this won’t be the last.”
“We’re still looking for a very big property.”
Hans Sy said operating major venues in both Manila and Cebu would strengthen the country’s ability to attract international concerts and sporting events.
The company hopes to bring global performers with Filipino connections, including Bruno Mars and K-pop groups with Filipino members, while also pursuing international volleyball and basketball tournaments.
He said sports tourism represents another growth opportunity for Cebu.
“Sports tourism is something that we have missed out, and that is one of the things that we will fully support,” he said.
SM said the arena, convention center and hotels are expected to complement Cebu’s expanding tourism and business sectors by attracting more conferences, exhibitions, concerts and sporting events, generating additional demand for airlines, hotels, restaurants, transport services and other local businesses.
