SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) is positioning Cebu as a bigger destination for business, tourism, and live entertainment after formally introducing its P7-billion SM Seaside Cebu Arena to industry partners.

"This 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," SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said on Thursday.

"More importantly, this investment will generate economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and nearby communities," he added.

The arena is directly connected to SM Seaside City Cebu and the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson, and Radisson Hotel, forming an integrated lifestyle, tourism, and business district in Cebu.

Designed by global architecture firm Arquitectonica, the arena spans more than seven hectares of gross floor area and can accommodate up to 25,000 guests, making it the largest facility of its kind in the Visayas.

The venue features Cebu's largest center-hung display, designed to deliver immersive visuals, sound, and real-time data integration for concerts, sporting events, electronic dance music festivals, corporate events, family entertainment, circus productions, and motorsports.

It also houses 30 Premier Suites above the VIP sections, each accommodating 13 to 31 guests and equipped with private restrooms, premium seating, and dedicated access to exclusive lounges, a café, and a private entrance.

Following its opening event, the arena's lineup includes performances by IV of Spades, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, Hillsong Worship, and LANY.

"Cebu has long been one of the country's most dynamic markets. With this arena, we can bring more Filipino and international acts to the Visayas and strengthen the region's place in the live entertainment circuit," Lim said.