Hans T. Sy, chair of the executive committee of SM Prime, is scheduled to lead the inauguration alongside other company executives, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr., and other national and local officials.
The launch of the arena is expected to strengthen Cebu's position as a leading destination for international concerts, sporting competitions, exhibitions, conventions, and other large-scale events outside Metro Manila.
Tourism boost
The new venue is expected to generate broader economic activity by attracting more visitors who will support hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and other tourism-related businesses.
It also reinforces the government's efforts to expand the country's MICE sector by providing Cebu with a modern venue capable of hosting national and international conventions, corporate gatherings, and exhibitions.
Located within the SM Seaside Complex, the arena offers direct access to retail, hospitality, and transport facilities, creating an integrated destination for event organizers and visitors.
World-class venue
The seven-story SM Seaside Cebu Arena is the largest purpose-built indoor arena in Cebu, with a standard seating capacity of 16,000 that can expand to as many as 25,000 guests.
Its flexible event bowl can be configured for large concerts, sporting competitions, conventions, and smaller productions.
It has one of the most advanced center-hung displays in the country, supported by immersive LED ribbon boards that deliver a 360-degree viewing experience. It features high-capacity digital infrastructure and 5G connectivity to support live productions and audience engagement.
Events lined up
Even before its formal opening, the arena has secured a lineup of major events.
These include BINI's Signals World Tour on July 11, IV OF SPADES' Andalucia Tour on July 18, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan's In Between concert on Sept. 5, and LANY's Soft World Tour on Nov. 6.
The venue is also scheduled to host matches of the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League in 2026 and 2027, further establishing Cebu as an emerging destination for international sports and entertainment. —Connie Fernandez-Brojan | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
