SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) officially unveiled the SM Seaside Cebu Arena to trade, industry, and corporate partners on July 9, marking a major milestone in the continued development of its South Road Properties (SRP) estate and reinforcing Cebu’s position as a premier destination for world-class entertainment.
The trade launch offered more than 400 guests from the events, entertainment, tourism, hospitality, and corporate sectors an exclusive first look at the arena through an immersive hour-long flythrough presentation showcasing the venue’s scale, design, and capabilities ahead of its official opening.
“This arena is part of our long-term vision for Cebu,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, president of SM Prime. “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. More importantly, this investment will generate economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and nearby communities.”
Strategically located within the SM Seaside City Cebu complex, the arena enjoys direct access to the mall and the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson, and Radisson Hotel. Together, these developments form an integrated lifestyle, tourism, and business district in the Queen City of the South.
Designed by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica, the P7-billion venue spans more than seven hectares of gross floor area and can accommodate up to 25,000 guests, making it the largest indoor arena in the Visayas. Its striking exterior features wave-inspired glass windows that pay homage to the iconic façade of its sister venue, the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
At the heart of the arena is Cebu’s largest and most advanced center-hung display, engineered to deliver crystal-clear visuals, immersive audio, and real-time data integration. The venue is built to host a wide range of events, including concerts, sporting competitions, electronic dance music (EDM) festivals, family entertainment shows, corporate events, circus productions, and motorsports exhibitions.
To elevate the guest experience, the arena features 30 luxury Premier Suites situated above the VIP sections. Each suite accommodates between 13 and 31 guests and offers premium seating, private restrooms, and unobstructed views of the event floor. Suite holders and their guests will also enjoy access to exclusive VIP lounges, a private café, and a dedicated entrance.
The SM Seaside Cebu Arena will officially launch its major events calendar with the BINI Signals World Tour on July 11. Upcoming performances at the venue include concerts by IV of Spades, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, Hillsong Worship, and LANY.
“Cebu has long been one of the country’s most dynamic markets,” Lim said. “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.”
With the opening of SM Seaside Cebu Arena, SM Prime further expands its footprint in the country’s live entertainment industry while supporting Cebu’s growing tourism, hospitality, and events sectors. The new venue is expected to serve as a key destination for both local and international productions, positioning the Visayas as a major hub for world-class entertainment.
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