The lineup features Filipino and international acts, including several making their first large-scale performances in the Visayas.
“Our goal is to help Cebu capture a larger share of the live entertainment economy. When major events come to the city, the impact extends beyond the venue. They support tourism, hospitality, transport, retail and the local services that benefit from stronger visitor inflow,” said SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim.
Experience-driven demand
Lim said the investment reflects changing consumer preferences, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, who increasingly value experiences that create lasting memories and can be shared with others.
To strengthen its entertainment business, SM Prime partnered with Ticketmaster in May to launch SM Ticketmaster, combining the global ticketing company’s platform and fraud prevention technology with SM’s nationwide operating network.
Building an events hub
SM Seaside Cebu Arena features what the company described as the most advanced center-hung display in the Visayas, enhancing the viewing experience for concerts, sports, family entertainment and large-scale productions.
Located within South Road Properties, the arena is directly connected to SM Seaside City Cebu and will eventually link to the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Hotel, further positioning the area as an integrated tourism, meetings and live entertainment district in the Queen City of the South.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
