The Araneta Coliseum is the largest indoor facility in Southeast Asia (dome diameter: 108 meters). It is located in Quezon City, Philippines. The "Big Dome" hosts sporting and entertainment events in the country. To perform at The Big Dome is certainly a dream come true for many Filipino artists, much so to fill it up.
History
Araneta Coliseum came from J. Amado Araneta's purchase of a 350,000 square metre Cubao property that is now the Araneta Center from Radio Corporation of America (RCA). The property which includes the Araneta family home is bounded by Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue, Aurora Boulevard, P. Tuazon and 15th Avenue. It is the centerpiece of the Araneta Center, offering a one-stop shopping, dining and entertainment experience.
Construction of the Araneta Coliseum was started in 1957 and finished in late 1959. In 1960 to 1963, the Coliseum received international recognition as the "Biggest covered coliseum in the world". Even today, it still remains as one of the largest clear span dome in the world and the largest indoor facility in Southeast Asia with a dome diameter of 108 meters. It occupies a total land area of almost 40,000 square metres and has a floor area or 2,300 square metres.
The coliseum opened on March 16, 1960, with Gabriel "Flash" Elorde wresting the World Junior Lightweight crown from American Harold Gomes. More than 33,000 spectators watched the contest. General admission then was 80 centavos and reserve section was five pesos.
Throughout the years, the Araneta Coliseum management adheres to the commitment of J. Amado Araneta to provide the Filipino people with the best entertainment at the lowest admission possible. Some of the most remembered performances were the "Thrilla in Manila" which was the Ali-Fraizer World Heavyweight Championship Fight, the Philippine Basketball Association Games, and annually, the Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant.
In 1999, the coliseum underwent a major renovation since it was opened in 1960.
Notable events at the Big Dome
Sports events
- PBA: Regular Season (selected games), Playoffs (selected games), PBA Finals
- UAAP Basketball: Opening Ceremonies, Regular Season (selected games), Cheerdance Competition, Final Four and UAAP Finals
- NCAA Basketball: Opening Ceremonies, Cheerdance Competition, NCAA Finals
- Thrilla in Manila
- WWE RAW Manila tour
Entertainment events
- Star Circle Kid Quest: Grand Questor's Night (2004)
- Star Circle Teen Quest: Grand Questor's Night (2004)
- StarStruck: The Final Judgment (2004 and 2005)
- Pinoy Pop Superstar: The Grand Showdown (2005)
- Binibining Pilipinas (Annually)
- MTV Music Summit
Famous performers
A stroll at the Upper Box corridor reveals the famous people who have performed at the Big Dome.