SM Seaside Arena: A Massive Event Space Coming in 2025

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Cebu is expected to hold more international events once the SM Seaside Arena opens.

Do you think Cebu experiences enough international concerts and sports tournaments?

If your answer is no, then the SM Seaside Arena might change that.

This project had been delayed several times despite being discussed along with the SM Seaside Mall in 2013. It officially broke ground and finally started construction in 2021, with completion slated for 2025.

Once finished, it will be the largest indoor arena in the city, with a 16,000 seating capacity, which is more than the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City (15,000).

It will be the main venue for major business and recreational events, ranging from international conventions to festivals and competitions in Cebu.

The SM Seaside Arena is part of the South Coast City, a partnership between SM Prime Holdings and Ayalaland. Spanning 26 hectares, it will house multiple hotels, condominiums, and the city’s very own SMX Convention Center.

It aims to be the newest lifestyle hub in the city and a pathway from Cebu City to Mactan because of its strategic location near the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway.

The convention center is set to be finished in 2026, with three floors full of function rooms and conference halls. This will be reserved for large business meetings, exhibits, and trade fairs.

The development project will also feature a 516-room dual-brand hotel, the Radisson and Park Inn from Radisson Hotels, which is scheduled to open in 2027.

ANTICIPATION FOR THE SM SEASIDE ARENA

On a Reddit forum, Cebuanos voiced their excitement for the SM Seaside Arena, especially since it will become the main Cebu concert venue.

Many have expressed personal struggles regarding concerts outside of Cebu, which require extra expenses such as plane tickets and accommodations. A major concert venue within the island will be a much more cost-efficient option for Cebuanos.

This is not to say that there have been no Cebu concerts at all, as some world-renowned artists have performed at event venues like the Waterfront Hotel and Casino Grand Ballroom or the SM Seaside Sky Hall.

With construction ongoing, Reddit users also mentioned concerns about traffic schemes and parking spaces. They are also hoping for a skywalk that will connect the SM Seaside Mall to the arena, which could help reduce foot traffic.

Most of all, they hope to see more public transportation options to get there.

Aside from concerts, the arena will also host major sporting events, letting residents witness some of the world’s best athletes and sports personalities.

A basketball court is expected, owing to the Filipinos’ love for the sport. The SM Seaside Arena was even considered for the Philippines’ bid to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which was later decided to be held in China.

However, SM is considering hosting several games for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the country’s premier basketball league and the second oldest in the world.

In 2024, the Cebu City Sports Commission proposed to have it as the venue for the world’s first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in late 2025.

The commission has asked the management of SM to fast track the arena’s construction to have it ready for the competition in November.

Aside from this, Hans Sy, the Chairman of SM Prime Holdings, has voiced plans of using the arena to host the Women’s Volleyball World Cup in 2025.

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After a level of uncertainty in the 2010s, it’s beginning to look like this massive structure will finally come to fruition. Expect this to be one of the busiest places in the city, as thousands of Cebuanos will flock to the many events to be held here.

As the first part of a development project from two of the country’s biggest real estate companies, there is so much more to look forward to. The South Coast City will hopefully bring in even more business ventures and jobs for the Cebuano people.

The SM Seaside Arena is a big sign of Cebu’s development into a modern metropolis that many people from around the world will visit more.

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