via Graphic Plus — SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is set to open SM Seaside Cebu Arena, the largest of its kind and the first purpose-built multipurpose indoor arena in the Province of Cebu, in June of 2026.
Located within South Coast City, an integrated estate developed by SM Prime in Cebu, the arena has a building footprint of about 1.6 hectares and a total gross floor area of roughly 7.4 hectares.
Ahead of its opening, SM Seaside Cebu Arena is in talks with concert promoters, sports federations, family entertainment producers, and corporate event organizers to book the venue, signaling strong early interest and a healthy pipeline of events.
“By building a venue of this scale in Cebu, we are strengthening the Visayas as a destination for international events, domestic tourism and long-term investment,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim.
The SM Seaside Cebu Arena will accommodate over 25,000 guests and feature multi-level spectator areas, professional-grade sports and entertainment systems, corporate suites, VIP lounges, a range of food and beverage concepts and other lifestyle amenities.
A SkyBridge will link the arena to SMX Convention Center Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu to ensure efficient visitor circulation, comfort and accessibility.
“There is a lot of excitement and anticipation for this project because Cebuanos have long supported live concerts, and having a large-capacity venue in Cebu makes these events more accessible without the added cost of traveling to Manila,” said Lim.
SM Seaside Cebu Arena builds on SM Prime’s experience operating the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Metro Manila, which hosted its first public event in 2012 with a two-night Born This Way Ball concert by Lady Gaga.
Since then, MOA Arena has established itself as a premier venue for world-class sporting events, including the NBA Global Games, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships.
It has also hosted major international artists such as Ariana Grande, BLACKPINK, BTS, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, the Jonas Brothers, Madonna, Maroon 5, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift, among many others.
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