A 25,000-seat arena is rising along Cebu’s skyline, and it is now moving closer to completion.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. said its SM Seaside Cebu Arena is on track to open in June 2026, positioning the facility as a major venue for concerts, sports events, and large-scale entertainment in the Visayas.
The company said the seven-storey indoor arena, located within the SM Seaside Complex, will have a seating capacity of up to 25,000 people, making it one of the largest indoor venues in the country.
SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said the project builds on the experience 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,” Lim said.
“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.
The arena will feature a flexible event bowl designed to accommodate both large-scale productions and smaller events, allowing organizers to adjust staging configurations depending on event requirements.
It will also include advanced production systems such as a center-hung display and 360-degree LED ribbon boards intended to enhance visibility for audiences across the venue.
SM Prime said the facility will be equipped with digital infrastructure, including 5G connectivity, to support real-time engagement and modern production needs for event organizers and spectators.
Premium suites for corporate clients will also be integrated into the design, alongside supporting facilities such as a practice court for performers and multi-functional spaces that can be used as holding areas, breakout rooms, or smaller event venues.
Located within the SM Seaside Complex, the arena will have direct access to retail, hospitality, and transport infrastructure, which the company said will create a connected environment for visitors, organizers, and partners.
SM Prime said the project forms part of its expansion of large-scale entertainment and lifestyle developments outside Metro Manila, with Cebu identified as a key growth market.
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