THE SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, Metro Manila’s largest live entertainment venue, posted a strong performance in 2024, with events at the venue drawing over one million in total ticket attendance.
Located within the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, the SM MOA Arena hosted a wide range of events throughout the year. More than half of these were dedicated to sports, concerts, and family-oriented shows, while the rest consisted of corporate functions and special events. The mix of programming reinforced its status as the country’s top venue for large-scale entertainment and international acts.
“Live entertainment venues are strategic contributors to our company’s portfolio. They strengthen the SM ecosystem by driving foot traffic and supporting the performance of our mall tenants and adjacent businesses,” said SM Prime Holdings president Jeffrey C. Lim.
With a seating capacity of 15,000, expandable to 20,000, the arena offers International Basketball Federation (FIBA)- and National Basketball Association (NBA)-compliant facilities. To maintain its standing as a world-class venue, it underwent a three-year modernization program starting in 2022.
The upgrade, valued at over US$10 million, included digital turnstiles, a new 702-square-meter LED Media Mesh, improved public address systems, new acoustic panels, enhanced back-of-house areas, and updated spectator seating.
In recognition of its contribution to the sports and tourism industries, the SM MOA Arena was named Sports Venue of the Year at the 6th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards. The award highlights its role in supporting both the MICE sector and tourism—areas seen as key to the country’s service economy recovery.
“Our solid performance in 2024 reflects the growing appetite for live experiences and the broad appeal of SM Prime’s integrated developments,” Lim said. “This year, we expect an even stronger lineup of global and local events that will help drive sustained growth across our lifestyle and commercial assets.”
Over the past two years, the arena has hosted a number of major international acts, including the Backstreet Boys, Alanis Morissette, Sam Smith, Jonas Brothers, 2NE1, Itzy, and Niall Horan. It also featured performances from leading Filipino artists such as Regine Velasquez, Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion, Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Juan Karlos, December Avenue, and Ben&Ben.
For 2025, international acts confirmed to perform at the venue include South Korean actor Lee Min-ho, Toto, Jo Koy, the Black Eyed Peas, and Mariah Carey, as well as the recently concluded concert of BTS’s j-hope.
On the local front, the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines Coronation and various collegiate sporting events are expected to continue drawing large audiences.
