SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) formally introduced SM Seaside Cebu Arena to trade, industry and corporate partners on July 9, marking the next phase in the development of its South Road Properties (SRP) estate.
βThis 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,β said Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime president. βMore importantly, this investment will generate economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and nearby communities.β
SM Seaside Cebu Arena has direct access to SM Seaside City Cebu and the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson, and Radisson Hotel, creating a comprehensive lifestyle, tourism and business district in the Queen City of the South.
The trade launch drew 400 guests from the events, entertainment, tourism, hospitality, and corporate sectors, offering an early look at the venue through an hour-long flythrough that highlighted its scale, design, and event capabilities.
Designed by award-winning global architecture firm Arquitectonica, the P7-billion arena spans more than seven hectares of gross floor area and can accommodate up to 25,000 guests. Its exterior is defined by wave-shaped glass windows, echoing the signature façade of its sister venue, the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
At the center of SM Seaside Cebu Arena is Cebuβs largest and most advanced center-hung display, designed to deliver crystal-clear visuals, immersive sound and real-time data integration for sports, concerts, electronic dance music (EDM), family entertainment, corporate shows, circus productions and motorsports events.
Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for SM Seaside Cebu Arena β SM officials, government leaders, and key stakeholders formally inaugurate the SM Seaside Cebu Arena through a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on July 9, 2026, ahead of its first scheduled event on July 11, 2026. The milestone marks the official opening of SM’s second flagship arena, bringing world-class concerts, premier sporting events, and exceptional live entertainment experiences closer to audiences across the Visayas and Mindanao.
From left to right: Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls; John Patrick “Pato” C. Gregorio, Chairperson, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC); Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Q. Soco; Chico Sy, President, SM Engineering, Design, and Development Corp. (SMEDD); Dr. Elise Nicole Catalan; Jeffrey C. Lim, President and Chief Executive Officer, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; Msgr. Roberto “Boy” F. Alesna, D.D.; Mayor Nestor D. Archival Sr., City Mayor of Cebu City; Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimpas, Regional Director, Department of Tourism Region VII; Arnel C. Gonzales, Vice President and General Manager, SM Arena Complex Corporation; Marissa Fernan, Vice President, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; and Ace Durano, Provincial Administrator of Cebu.
Aside from being the largest facility of its kind in the Visayas, SM Seaside Cebu Arena offers the most premium live entertainment experience through its Premier Suites.
Official Venue Marker Unveiling SM Seaside Cebu Arena β From left to right: Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls; John Patrick “Pato” C. Gregorio, Chairperson, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC); Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Q. Soco; Dr. Elise Nicole Catalan; Chico Sy, President, SM Engineering, Design, and Development Corp. (SMEDD); Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Jeffrey C. Lim, President and Chief Executive Officer, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; Mayor Nestor D. Archival Sr., Msgr. Roberto “Boy” F. Alesna, D.D.; City Mayor of Cebu City; Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimpas, Regional Director, Department of Tourism Region VII; Marissa Fernan, Vice President, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; Ace Durano, Provincial Administrator of Cebu, and Arnel C. Gonzales, Vice President and General Manager, SM Arena Complex Corporation.
The venue has 30 luxury Premier Suites located just above the VIP sections. Each suite can accommodate up to 13-31 guests and includes upscale seating, private restrooms and unobstructed views of the event floor. Suite holders and their guests also have access to dedicated VIP lounges, a cafΓ© and an exclusive entrance.
SM Seaside Cebu Arena will open its major events calendar with the BINI Signals World Tour on July 11. Other upcoming shows include IV of Spades, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, Hillsong Worship and LANY.
Ceremonial Toast to the Opening of SM Seaside Cebu Arena β Officials, government leaders, business partners, and guests raise a ceremonial toast during the launch of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena in Cebu City on July 9, 2026. As SM Prime Holdings’ second flagship arena, the venue brings world-class facilities and a premier event destination that elevates live entertainment, sports, and major events across the Visayas and Mindanao.
From left: Venue Operations Head Arlett Mendoza; Sales and Partnership Head Michelle De Guzman; Business Development Head Jojo Estacio; Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls; Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Q. Soco; Chico Sy, President of SM Engineering, Design, and Development Corp. (SMEDD); Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Mayor Nestor D. Archival Sr.; Jeffrey C. Lim, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; Dr. Elise Nicole Catalan; John Patrick “Pato” C. Gregorio, Chairperson, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC); Arnel C. Gonzales, Vice President and General Manager, SM Arena Complex Corporation; Marissa Fernan, Vice President, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; Ace Durano, Provincial Administrator of Cebu; Assistant General Manager Ria M. Babista; Event Operations Head Mara De-Pano Agena; and Senior Bookings Manager Hana Sanos.
βCebu has long been one of the countryβs most dynamic markets. With this arena, we can bring more Filipino and international acts to the Visayas and strengthen the regionβs place in the live entertainment circuit,β added Lim.
