Smart Araneta Coliseum

Smart Araneta Coliseum, also known as “The Big Dome”, is one of Manila’s most recognizable indoor arenas. Its vast clear-span dome gives the venue its distinctive appearance while allowing flexible layouts for concerts, basketball, boxing and other major events. With a maximum capacity of around 20,000 spectators, the arena has served for decades as an important stage for international sports and entertainment.

The interior is designed to accommodate different event configurations, with renovated lobbies, upgraded spectator sections and technical infrastructure for large-scale productions. A substantial overhead grid supports the center-hung scoreboard and production equipment, while the surrounding seating creates an immersive atmosphere even for high-capacity events. Araneta City also offers a broad selection of food and drink options within the immediate venue complex.

The arena is located at General Roxas Ave, Cubao, Manila, Philippines. Visitors arriving by car can use Parking Garage South directly beside the Coliseum, while Gateway Mall is connected to the arena by a pedestrian walkway and provides convenient access to nearby transport connections. For a broader overview of getting around Manila, see the city information further down the page.

Manila, a lively metropolis on the bay, blends big-city energy with a distinct tropical charm. As a hub for concerts, sports, and nightlife, it draws visitors who want the event itself—and a city that doesn’t switch off after the final whistle or encore. In Manila, modern entertainment naturally connects with deep history and a richly varied urban culture, so every night out can be more than just taking a seat in the stands or on the floor.

Getting in and moving around is powered by a strong transport network: LRT and MRT-3 link key corridors across the metro area, while PNR plus extensive bus and jeepney routes make transfers and neighborhood access straightforward. If you arrive by air, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main gateway, and for rail connections Tutuban Station is an important reference point for tapping into the city’s flow. Thanks to the density of links, reaching arenas and stadiums is usually easy—whether you combine trains with a taxi or an app-based ride.

Before or after the show, Manila offers an excellent “bonus round”: walk the walled streets of Intramuros to feel the city’s colonial layers, unwind in the greenery of Rizal Park, or catch the sunset along Manila Bay. For a foodie detour, head to Binondo, one of the oldest Chinatowns, perfect for quick bites and flavor-packed street exploration. If you want a change of perspective, a stroll by the Pasig River and nearby historic lanes neatly completes the experience of a city that works equally well as a stage and as a destination.