Smart Araneta Coliseum Guide: Seat Plan, How to Get There, Parking & Tickets

The Smart Araneta Coliseum — "the Big Dome" — in Cubao, Quezon City is one of Asia's most storied arenas, open since 1960 and still a top choice for concerts, boxing, and PBA/UAAP basketball. Modern concert configurations seat around 15,000, and it's arguably the most transit-accessible major arena in Metro Manila.

See what's coming up: upcoming events at Smart Araneta Coliseum →

Quick facts

Where: Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City
Capacity: ~15,000 (concerts), historically up to ~25,000
Tickets: TicketNet is the official outlet
Opened: 1960

How to get there

Araneta City sits on top of two train lines, which is its biggest advantage:

MRT-3: Alight at Cubao Station — it connects directly into Araneta City via the Gateway Mall.
LRT-2: Alight at Araneta Center–Cubao Station, also linked to the complex.
By bus/jeep: Countless EDSA and Aurora Blvd routes stop at Cubao.
By car: Enter via Aurara Blvd, EDSA, or General Roxas Ave. Weekend show traffic in Cubao is heavy — trains are usually faster.

Parking

Park at the Araneta City malls — Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza all have parking within walking distance of the coliseum. Combine your trip with dinner or shopping to make the parking worthwhile.

Bag policy & what to bring

Expect gate inspections and standard arena rules: no outside food/drinks, no professional cameras or tripods, small bags only. Bring a valid ID, your ticket, a power bank, and cash. Full list: what to bring to a concert.

Seating sections

Araneta typically sells Patron (floor), Lower Box, Upper Box A/B, and General Admission. The Big Dome is a true bowl, so even Upper Box has clear sightlines — but check the official seat plan for your show, since floor setups change per production.

FAQ

Where do I buy Araneta Coliseum tickets? Through TicketNet online or at TicketNet outlets (including the Gateway Mall box office). See how to buy concert tickets in the Philippines.

Which train station is closest? Both MRT-3 Cubao and LRT-2 Araneta Center–Cubao feed directly into Araneta City — take whichever line is nearer to you.

Is the venue air-conditioned? Yes, it's a fully enclosed, air-conditioned coliseum.

Make a night of it in Quezon City events, or compare it with the other Metro Manila concert venues.