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| SM Mall of Asia Arena | |
|---|---|
| Name | SM Mall of Asia Arena |
| Location | Pasay |
| Opened | 2012 |
| Owner | SM Prime Holdings |
| Capacity | 15,000–20,000 |
| Architect | Rafael Villarosa |
| Operator | SM Tickets |
SM Mall of Asia Arena is an indoor multi-purpose arena located in Pasay within the Mall of Asia Complex near Manila Bay in the Philippines. Opened in 2012 by Henry Sy Sr. and developed by SM Prime Holdings, the venue serves as a focal point for sports, concerts, and large-scale events in Metro Manila. The arena has hosted international performers, regional tournaments, and civic gatherings, drawing patrons from Cebu, Davao City, Iloilo City, and neighboring countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Construction began under the direction of SM Prime Holdings during a period of rapid commercial expansion led by Henry Sy Sr. and continued under executives including Teresita Sy-Coson and Hans Sy. The arena’s commissioning coincided with the rise of contemporary venues across Southeast Asia such as the Singapore Indoor Stadium and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Its inauguration featured civic and entertainment figures from Philippine Entertainment Industry and government officials from Pasay City and the Department of Tourism. Over its operational history the site has accommodated events tied to organizations like the FIBA Asia Championship, the Philippine Basketball Association, the ONE Championship, and the ASEAN Summit ancillary cultural programs.
Architectural work involved local firms led by designers including Rafael Villarosa and consultants experienced with arenas such as the Araneta Coliseum and international projects like the Madison Square Garden refurbishments. The exterior echoes the waterfront skyline of Manila Bay and integrates influences from venues such as the Staples Center and Saitama Super Arena. Engineering collaborations included contractors who previously worked on SM Mall of Asia structures and infrastructure projects for Ayala Land developments. Acoustics and sightlines were planned in consultation with firms serving productions for Live Nation, AEG Presents, and theatrical companies akin to Cirque du Soleil.
Seating configurations range to accommodate concerts, basketball games under Philippine Basketball Association rules, and mixed martial arts events similar to ONE Championship setups. Backstage facilities support touring productions promoted by Concerts Philippines and ticketing handled via platforms like SM Tickets and partnering services comparable to Ticketmaster. Hospitality suites and corporate boxes attract sponsors such as Smart Communications, PLDT, and San Miguel Corporation. Media facilities have hosted press from outlets including ABS-CBN, GMA Network, The Philippine Star, and international broadcasters like ESPN and Fox Sports Asia.
The arena’s calendar has featured concerts by international artists associated with promoters like Live Nation and regional tours by performers represented by Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. Sports programming encompassed tournaments affiliated with FIBA, exhibition matches involving Gilas Pilipinas, and collegiate championships under the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines). The venue has supported cultural festivals involving groups from Cultural Center of the Philippines collaborations, pageants such as Binibining Pilipinas, and political rallies coordinated with officials from Malacañang and representatives of Pasay. Special events included corporate assemblies for PLDT, product launches by Samsung Philippines and Apple Inc. partner activations.
Access strategies link the arena to arterial roads including Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and the Roxas Boulevard corridor, and to mass transit projects like the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) network and proposals for Pasay Line extensions. Shuttle services and transport partnerships have coordinated with municipal agencies of Pasay and private operators including Philippine National Railways planning studies. Parking operations are integrated with the Mall of Asia complex and nearby developments by SM Prime Holdings and transit-oriented plans examined with the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Transportation.
The arena catalyzed hospitality growth for chains including Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Microtel by Wyndham, and local accommodations in Bay City, Pasay. Retail and F&B footfall benefits accrued to tenants of SM Mall of Asia and nearby entertainment districts developed by SM Prime Holdings and investors like Ayala Corporation and Megaworld. Cultural influence extended to programming partnerships with institutions such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and broadcasting ties with ABS-CBN and GMA Network, while tourism promotion involved the Department of Tourism and local tourism offices. The venue has been referenced in urban studies by scholars affiliated with University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University assessing metropolitan development.
Operational management follows protocols set by corporate governance of SM Prime Holdings and municipal ordinances of Pasay City in coordination with agencies like the Department of Health and the Philippine National Police for crowd control. Emergency response and evacuation planning have been designed with consultants experienced in arena safety standards similar to those used at Wembley Stadium and Tokyo Dome, and training exercises have involved local fire departments and disaster management units such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Security partnerships engage private firms and liaise with broadcasters like CNN Philippines for media coordination during incidents.
Category:Indoor arenas in the Philippines