SM Prime opens 7b-peso Cebu arena as it bets on live entertainment boom

SM Prime Holdings has officially unveiled the SM Seaside Cebu Arena to trade, industry and corporate partners, as the property developer strengthens its push into live entertainment and integrated tourism in the Visayas.

The trade launch, held on 9 July, marks the latest milestone in the development of SM Prime's South Road Properties (SRP) estate in Cebu. Around 400 guests from the events, entertainment, tourism, hospitality and corporate sectors attended the preview, which featured a flythrough presentation showcasing the arena's design, scale and event capabilities.

The seven-billion-peso (US$114 million) venue is set to officially begin its events calendar on 11 July with the BINI Signals World Tour. Upcoming performances also include IV of Spades, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, Hillsong Worship and LANY.

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Designed by global architecture firm Arquitectonica, the arena spans more than seven hectares of gross floor area and accommodates up to 25,000 guests, making it the largest indoor entertainment venue in the Visayas. Its façade features wave-shaped glass windows inspired by its sister venue, the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The venue also houses what SM Prime describes as Cebu's largest centre-hung display, designed to support concerts, sporting events, family entertainment, corporate shows, electronic dance music events, circus productions and motorsports.

Beyond entertainment, the arena forms part of a broader mixed-use development strategy. It is directly connected to SM Seaside City Cebu and the upcoming SMX Convention Centre Seaside Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Hotel, creating an integrated lifestyle, business and tourism district.

Jeffrey C. Lim, president of SM Prime, said the investment is intended to strengthen Cebu's tourism appeal while creating opportunities for local businesses.

"This arena is part of our long-term vision for Cebu. By creating a world-class platform for live entertainment and large-scale gatherings within SRP, we give local and foreign tourists another reason to visit and stay longer," said Lim. "More importantly, this investment will generate economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and nearby communities."

The arena also targets premium event-goers through 30 luxury Premier Suites positioned above the VIP sections. Each suite accommodates between 13 and 31 guests and features private amenities, dedicated lounges, café access and exclusive entry points.

Lim added that the venue is expected to expand access to major live entertainment acts beyond Metro Manila. "With this arena, we can bring more Filipino and international acts to the Visayas and strengthen the region's place in the live entertainment circuit," he said.

SM said the arena is expected to boost tourism and economic activity across Cebu and the wider Visayas by driving demand for hotels, restaurants, transport, retail and other local businesses.

"Cebu has always been a place of immense potential, and our goal has been to create destinations that grow with the communities around them. Beyond providing spaces for retail and entertainment, we want to build platforms where people can connect, businesses can thrive, and new opportunities can emerge," added Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

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