The property giant on May 22, 2026 announced a partnership with global ticketing platform Ticketmaster to launch SM Ticketmaster, marking the international company’s entry into the Philippines.
The new venture will handle ticketing services currently provided through SM Tickets while combining Ticketmaster’s global ticketing technology and fraud prevention systems with SM Prime’s local market expertise and venue operations.
SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim said the partnership aims to improve the overall ticket-buying experience for Filipino consumers.
“Our goal is to make the ticket-buying experience more reliable, secure and convenient for customers,” Lim said.
“Through this partnership, we are combining Ticketmaster’s global ticketing technology with our local operating expertise to support the next phase of live entertainment in the Philippines,” he added.
Growing demand
The launch comes as the Philippines continues to see rising demand for live experiences, including international concerts, sports events, and local performances.
SM Ticketmaster will support ticketing operations not only for SM Prime-owned venues such as the SM Mall of Asia Arena, SMDC Festival Grounds, and the soon-to-open SM Seaside Cebu Arena, but also for third-party venues, promoters, and organizers.
Ticketmaster regional vice president for Asia-Pacific Jim Kotsonis described the Philippines as an important growth market for the company.
“Fans in the Philippines are showing strong and growing demand for live experiences, from major international tours to sports and local shows,” Kotsonis said.
“For Ticketmaster, this is an important new market and a natural next step in our international expansion,” he added.
Transition phase
The new company will be led by Mike Mangubat and will provide end-to-end ticketing services, including event operations, marketing support, and customer service.
Over the coming weeks, SM Tickets will transition its existing reservation and sales services to SM Ticketmaster. Existing SM Tickets account holders are encouraged to register early to ensure uninterrupted access to upcoming events.
Concert pipeline
SM Prime said it continues to strengthen its entertainment and events business, with several international acts already confirmed to perform at its venues this year.
Among the artists scheduled to hold shows in the Philippines are Laufey, ITZY, Kodaline, Charlie Puth, LANY, Jason Mraz, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Exo Planet #6 – EXhOrizon in Manila.
“We have a strong pipeline of concerts, events and experiences scheduled across our venues, with more announcements to come,” Lim said. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
