After twelve years of operations, the SM Mall of Asia Arena (MOA Arena) continues to evolve and maintain its status as the premier venue for Manila’s biggest events.
Since its grand opening on June 16, 2012, the team behind this “eye-conic” venue has consistently delivered unforgettable experiences for everyone—from concerts featuring global superstars to international sporting competitions and prestigious award ceremonies.
This success is not only due to world-class events but also to the employees’ dedication to providing excellent customer service—the core of the company’s growth. As the SM MOA Arena looks back on its 12-year success, the company wants to highlight customer service excellence as its strong foundation.
World-class stage
The iconic eye-shaped facade of the MOA Arena is a fitting symbol for the venue’s vision of delivering “feast for the eye” events. The versatile venue can adapt to a wide range of events, from intimate fan meets to large-scale concerts.
The SM MOA Arena has been undergoing a three-year upgrade program since early 2022 to maintain its world-class standards. Prior to hosting the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, SM Prime Holdings invested over $10 million to upgrade features such as turnstiles, the scoreboard, Media Mesh, PA system, dugouts, back-of-house rooms, spectator seating, internet connectivity, and 5G capacity. The management is also focused on training and improving personnel to maintain customer service excellence.
patrons for the final phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Memorable milestones
Since its grand opening in 2012, the MOA Arena has hosted a multitude of iconic events. Here are some of the most memorable ones:
- 2012: Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way Ball” tour kicked off at the MOA Arena, marking the venue’s grand entrance into the entertainment scene. Concerts headlined by JLo, Jonas Brothers, David Guetta, Nicki Minaj, and Big Bang followed for the rest of the year.
- 2013: The SM MOA Arena ensured all efforts are made to host major sporting events such as NBA Global Games, FIBA Asia Championships, UAAP Basketball and NCAA Basketball opening, and UAAP Volleyball. International artists Aerosmith, Alicia Keys, Paramore, Linkin Park, and more also performed in 2013.
- 2014: The unveiling of the Media Mesh, a giant 700sqm LED digital billboard, further enhanced the visual experience for audiences.
- 2015: The SM MOA Arena hosted prominent world leaders like Pope Francis and members of APEC, as well as events like UFC Fight Night Manila and the International Premier Tennis League with stars Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. It also welcomed fans of performers such as Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé, Maroon 5, Incubus, Backstreet Boys, Chris Brown, The Vamps, and The 1975.
- 2016: The SM MOA Arena hosted family shows like the 2nd Monster Jam Live and Disney On Ice, which debuted at the venue. Fans also enjoyed concerts by Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Selena Gomez, Il Divo, and EXO. Additionally, the arena hosted internationally sanctioned FIVB and FIBA competitions throughout the year
- 2017: The prestigious Miss Universe competition held its 65th Grand Coronation Night at the MOA Arena. Britney Spears, Shawn Mendez, Ariana Grande, Seventeen, The Chainsmokers, and Regine Velasquez were the top billers for the year, while Cirque du Soliel and Disney On Ice brought delightful to families.
- 2018: SM MOA Arena honored its parent company SM’s 60th anniversary, celebrating its “AweSM” experiences for Filipino families. Filipino fans also enjoyed a spectacular two-night performance by Celine Dion and concerts by Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Katy Perry, Sam Smith, Paramore, Niall Horan, Seventeen, Super Junior, iKON, Winner, and EXO.
- 2019: The MOA Arena was the stage for the 30th Southeast Asian Games, as wel as performances by Blackpink, Josh Groban, Boyzone, Maroon 5, and more.
- 2020: During the pandemic, the MOA Arena repurposed its space as a mega swabbing facility, contributing to the nation’s fight against COVID-19.
- 2021: The SM MOA Arena launched the #ArenaSafe program, following international protocols to ensure safety while enjoying live entertainment and sports events.
- 2022: The venue hosted over 150 shows, including Lany’s sold-out, five-day concert, as well as global chart-topper Billie Eilish’s first Manila show.
- 2023: Top-tier events were held at the Arena, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Group and Finals Phase, Volleyball Nation’s League, and Disney On Ice 100th Year Celebration.
Stronger together for a brighter future
The MOA Arena shows no signs of slowing down. In June 2024, it brought Marvel Universe LIVE! to life, offering an action-packed show for families.
The future holds more exciting events, from K-pop concerts and world-class Filipino performances to the sold-out Hillsong Church London Worship event. Disney On Ice will be ready to skate back with a new enchanting show at the latter part of the year.
“Disney On Ice 100 Years of Wonder” in 2023.
Exemplary customer service
With the commitment to deliver outstanding customer service, the SM MOA Arena was honored to receive significant recognition by credible awards organizations.
At the SPIA (Sports Industry Awards) Asia gala night in 2015, the SM MOA Arena took home the gold award for “Sport & Recreation Facility of the Year.”
This year, The Stadium Business Awards announced that FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is one of finalists for the “Event of the Year Award” and as a newly adorned venue, the SM MOA Arena played an immense contributing role to the accomplishment.
“We (the SM Mall of Asia Arena team) assure our beloved patrons and partners that we are committed to deliver the best of what they deserve as they watch and enjoy the events happening at the venue—a customer service mantra that is known to SM. Consistent pursuit of excellence that goes beyond,” Arnel Gonzales, general manager for the SM MOA Arena, said.
