Venue Infrastructure Gaps Threaten Filipino Concert Experience

Countries with top-tier concert venues have benefited economically from international acts like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour, driving massive consumer spending. These concerts attracted tens of thousands of fans. It also includes Filipino enthusiasts who traveled to venues like Singapore’s National Stadium, Japan’s Tokyo Dome, and Sydney’s Accor Stadium. This influx of concertgoers stimulated the economies of these countries, boosting industries like entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transportation.

Singapore’s exclusive Swift performance for Southeast Asia not only captured attention but also ignited discussions about the Philippines’ opportunities for enhancing its concert venues.

Location is Key

The Philippines has impressive venues comparable to Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility, public transport, and nearby amenities are essential factors contributing to their appeal.

Concert Experience

Singapore’s National Stadium, a symbol of pride, boasts cutting-edge features like the world’s largest free-spanning dome. It has a retractable roof and comfortable cooling technology. These innovations, coupled with its strategic location and efficiency, offer unparalleled experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, attracting entertainment acts globally. Filipino concertgoers aspire for a similar venue and experience to be replicated in their country.

World-class concert amenities and facilities

Accessing the venue’s amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event.

Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena. It prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held in SM Mall of Asia Arena – Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

Consider the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. It is a versatile indoor arena developed in 2012 by SM Prime, a leading integrated property developer. This arena has become a go-to venue for various events, offering a distinctive concert experience. With a seating capacity of 20,000, it has hosted thrilling sports events, notable OPM shows, and memorable international superstar performances.

On the other hand, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is a vast outdoor venue capable of accommodating at least 50,000 people. Recent performers like Ed Sheeran on his Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya for The Reunion have graced this stage, highlighting its capacity for grand events.

Achieving Filipinos’ Concert Dreams

SM Prime’s visionary plan includes a 360-hectare smart city development. It aims at creating a premier hub for entertainment and sports events in the country. This development will feature a larger capacity and enhanced venue infrastructure, attracting legendary icons in the entertainment industry and positioning itself as a competitor to the best venues in Southeast Asia and globally. Central to this plan is a 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to the popular Central Park destination. This arena is set to become the largest concert venue in the Philippines. It will be boasting world-class facilities and sustainable features on par with international venues. With this development, Filipinos won’t need to travel abroad to experience top-tier performances. We can enjoy them right in our home country.

An artist’s render, a visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project.

There’s no denying that Filipinos have a deep love for entertainment shows. Visa ranked us as the 4th highest concert spenders in Asia-Pacific. This passion underscores the importance of investing in modern, accessible concert venues. These venues allow Filipino concert enthusiasts to fully enjoy live performances with the convenience and comfort they deserve. Smart and innovative concert facilities not only enhance the entertainment experience but also contribute to the economic growth of the Philippines. These can stimulate ancillary spending in retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors, benefiting both national and local economies.

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