The seven-story venue, which can accommodate up to 25,000 people, is set to become one of the largest indoor arenas in the Philippines. Designed to meet global standards, the arena aims to replicate the success 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,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, president of SM Prime.
“We believe Cebu is a key growth center, and this arena will help attract major events, support tourism and create more economic activity for the region,” he added.
Advanced venue
SM Prime said the arena was designed with flexibility in mind, allowing the event bowl to accommodate both large-scale concerts and smaller, more intimate productions.
The venue will feature one of the country’s most advanced center-hung displays, supported by immersive LED ribbon boards that provide a 360-degree viewing experience for audiences.
It will also include high-capacity digital infrastructure and 5G connectivity to support real-time audience engagement and enhanced production capabilities for event organizers.
Dedicated premium suites are integrated into the arena’s design to cater to corporate partners and elevate hospitality offerings.
Regional hub
Beyond entertainment, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena was built to support major productions through dedicated back-of-house facilities, including a practice court for performers and multi-functional event spaces that can serve as holding areas, breakout rooms, or venues for smaller gatherings.
Located within the SM Seaside Complex, the arena offers direct access to retail, hospitality, and transport infrastructure, creating a seamless experience for visitors and organizers.
Its proximity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is also expected to strengthen Cebu’s appeal as a regional hub for international acts and major events.
SM Prime said the arena has already secured advance bookings, with performances from BINI, IV of Spades, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, and LANY confirmed for 2026. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
