Village Connect
The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, a premier live entertainment venue in Metro Manila, has made headlines in 2024 by surpassing one million tickets sold, solidifying its reputation as a leading destination for diverse events.
This year, the arena hosted an impressive variety of shows, with more than half of the events centered around sports, concerts, and family entertainment. The remaining events included corporate functions and special gatherings, reinforcing its significance as the Philippines’ top choice for large-scale productions and international performances.
Jeffrey C. Lim, president of SM Prime, emphasized the strategic importance of live entertainment venues, stating, “They are vital to our company’s portfolio, amplifying foot traffic and enhancing the experience of our mall tenants and neighboring businesses.”
The arena, with a standard seating capacity of 15,000 that can be expanded to 20,000, boasts state-of-the-art facilities adhering to International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) standards.
To ensure it remains a world-class venue, the SM MOA Arena underwent a significant modernization initiative starting in 2022, with an investment exceeding $10 million. This three-year project brought about cutting-edge upgrades, including digital turnstiles, a massive 702-square-meter LED Media Mesh, enhanced audio systems, and improved seating and back-of-house areas, all aimed at enriching the audience and performer experience.
The venue’s outstanding achievements were recognized when it received the accolade for Sports Venue of the Year at the 6th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards. This honor highlights the arena’s vital role in boosting both the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry and the domestic tourism sector, especially as the economy rebounds post-pandemic.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to deliver another exciting array of events. The arena has already secured major performances from international icons like j-hope, Mariah Carey, and the Black Eyed Peas, alongside local spectacles such as the Miss Universe Philippines Coronation and various collegiate sports competitions.
As Lim notes, “Our impressive performance in 2024 reflects a growing enthusiasm for live experiences.” With a strong lineup on the horizon, the SM MOA Arena is poised for continued success, further solidifying its legacy as the heart of live entertainment in the country.
