Cebu’s largest indoor arena set to open in June
Sy family-led SM Prime Holdings Inc. is expanding its footprint in the Visayas with the opening of SM Seaside Cebu Arena this June, a move seen to strengthen Cebu’s position as a hub for major events and tourism.
SM Prime told the exchange on Tuesday that the arena—touted as the largest and first purpose-built multipurpose indoor venue in Cebu province—would rise within South Coast City, its integrated estate in Cebu.
The facility occupies a lot with a footprint of 1.6 hectares (ha) and upon completion, will offer a gross floor area of roughly 7.4 ha.
Once operational, the arena will accommodate more than 25,000 guests and offer multilevel spectator areas, professional-grade sports and entertainment systems, corporate suites, VIP lounges and various food and beverage concepts.
The arena will also be connected via a SkyBridge to SMX Convention Center Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu to improve accessibility and visitor flow.
SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said the project is designed to boost Cebu’s appeal as a destination for international events and long-term investments.
“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,” Lim said.
Even ahead of its opening, SM Prime said it was already in talks with concert promoters, sports federations, family entertainment producers and corporate event organizers, signaling strong early demand for the venue.
Lim added that the arena would allow Cebu residents to enjoy large-scale concerts without the added expense of traveling to Manila, noting the strong support of Cebuanos for live entertainment.
The company said the new arena builds on its experience operating the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Since opening in 2012, the facility has since hosted major global sporting events and performances by international artists, including Lady Gaga.
SM Prime said the Cebu arena forms part of its broader strategy to integrate lifestyle, tourism and commercial developments across key regional growth centers.
