SM Prime Holdings is targeting a June 2026 opening for the 25,000-seat SM Seaside Cebu Arena, as the Philippine mall operator expands its push into large-scale live entertainment venues outside Metro Manila amid rising demand for concerts, sporting events and regional tourism.
The company said the seven-storey arena, located within the SM Seaside City Cebu complex, is designed to host international concerts, sports events, and large conventions, following the model of the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“The enduring success of SM MOA Arena shows the strong demand for world-class entertainment venues, so we are bringing the same proven model to Cebu,” SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim said in a statement.
SM Prime said the Cebu arena will feature a flexible event bowl configuration, immersive LED ribbon boards, 5G-enabled digital infrastructure and premium suites aimed at corporate clients and high-end hospitality offerings.
The project comes as Cebu continues to position itself as a growing hub for tourism, meetings and entertainment in the Visayas, supported by increasing domestic travel and improved air connectivity through Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
The arena is expected to strengthen Cebu’s appeal to international touring acts and event organizers by offering a large-capacity indoor venue outside the capital region.
SM Prime said the facility has already secured advance bookings for several concerts this year, including performances by Filipino pop group BINI, rock band IV of Spades, singers TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, and American pop-rock band LANY.
The arena is integrated within the broader SM Seaside complex, providing direct access to retail, hospitality and transport infrastructure intended to support both visitors and event production requirements.
Cebu Business News
