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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider SM on track for June opening of Cebu arena

SM on track for June opening of Cebu arena

Published May 13, 2026 04:54 pm
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.
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.

Sy-led SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) is on track to open its second arena, SM Seaside Cebu Arena, next month as it has been barely affected by the spike in construction costs because the project was nearly completed before the global oil crisis started.

“Fortunately, we’re almost done with it, so there is no impact in terms of the cost, given that we are scheduled to open already in June,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim told a media briefing on Wednesday, May 13.

He noted that the new arena, which is intended to serve as the main entertainment venue for Cebu province as well as Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) regions, will allow major performers to stage additional shows after their concerts in Metro Manila.

“Some of the big artists are actually having their first night in Manila, and then they are doing second nights in Cebu. There’s a number of them already that are doing that... So we’re very confident that this will do well, given that it’s the only venue in the VisMin area,” Lim said.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena has been securing advance bookings since late last year, with BINI on July 11, IV of Spades on July 18, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan on Sept. 5, and LANY on Nov. 6 and 12 already confirmed for this year.

The large-scale venue is designed to meet global standards for live entertainment, sports, and major events.

“The enduring success of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena shows the strong demand for world-class entertainment venues, so we are bringing the same proven model to Cebu. 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,” said Lim.

With seven stories and a capacity of up to 25,000 people, SM Seaside Cebu Arena will be one of the largest indoor arenas in the Philippines.

Its flexible event bowl allows seamless configuration for both large-scale concerts and more intimate events, giving promoters greater versatility in staging productions.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena will feature one of the most advanced center-hung displays in the country, supported by immersive LED ribbon boards that deliver a 360-degree viewing experience.

These are complemented by high-capacity digital infrastructure, including 5G connectivity, enabling real-time engagement and enhanced production capabilities for both organizers and audiences.

Dedicated premium suites are integrated into the design to cater to corporate partners and elevate the overall hospitality offering.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena was also designed to support both front-of-house and back-of-house requirements for major productions. A practice court is available for performers, while multifunctional event spaces can be used as holding areas, breakout rooms, or venues for smaller private events.

Located within the SM Seaside Complex, the arena benefits from direct access to retail, hospitality, and transport infrastructure, creating a seamless ecosystem for visitors and event organizers.

Its proximity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and surrounding lifestyle developments strengthens its appeal as a regional destination for international acts and large gatherings.

Related Tags

SM Prime Holdings Inc. Jeffrey C. Lim SM Seaside Cebu Arena
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