BIG DOME : BIG TRANSFORMATION

THE BIG DOME STEPS UP WITH ITS EXTREME TRANSFORMATION

The Smart Araneta Coliseum, also known as the Big Dome, has been host to numerous iconic moments in Philippine sports and entertainment history. It is the mecca of the sporting events such as the PBA, UAAP, and NCAA. At the same time, top music acts that played at the Big Dome include the Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Lifehouse, and Incubus. It secured its place in boxing and basketball history as the home of the famous “Thrilla in Manila” and “NBA Ultimate All-Star Weekend.” Apart from these, the Big Dome also has an enviable place in history as the place that Blessed John Paul II anointed as “the colosseo of papal audiences.” At present, the Big Dome hosts more than 250 events a year.

Because of this, the Big Dome treasures its unique connection with generations of fans, international and local performing artists and legion of athletic heroes since its first show in 1952.

A NEW UNIQUE VIEWING EXPERIENCE

Fast forward to 2012.

The Big Dome is deep into its EXTREME TRANSFORMATION. The Smart Araneta Coliseum is treasuring its glorious heritage as well as leveling up to more state of the art venue features. Not only will its customers enjoy the prestige of watching their favorite sporting event and artists in a venue with such a storied history, it will also do so with extreme viewer pleasure. Michael Noah, Chief Operating Officer of United Promotions Inc., the management arm of the leisure and entertainment interests of the Araneta Group including the Smart Araneta Coliseum says, “The Extreme Transformation of the Big Dome begins with the majestic façade and interiors of the new Green Gate. The Green Gate welcomes everyone to state –of-the-art features starting with the larger entrance, improved kiosks for retail, scanners at the turnstiles for quicker and more efficient audience entry, and a concourse with LED signages, climate controlled space and video systems.” Noah further explains, “The transformation gets even more exciting when the customer enters the coliseum and approaches his new seat. There will be new flooring, ceilings, lighting and seats for viewer comfort. There will also be more rest rooms with newer features. ”

Noah said that the Big Dome also boasts of the ideal elevation and classic coliseum seating arrangement that meets international standards. “Unlike other venues, our elevation is just right. Audiences, especially kids who get overly excited during ball games and kiddie shows need not worry about falling over themselves in steeply-inclined seats. You can have the time of your life, dancing and cheering without the fear of falling over the edge,” Noah emphasizes.

Adding to these perks are the conveniences of parking plus access points to the shopping and dining options in and outside the coliseum. Through the new parking building’s second and third levels, customers can enter the coliseum and to their respective sections with ease. There will be drop off points at the new Green Gate. The South Gate entrance will likewise be restored allowing access to the coliseum. One can also find a whole lot of dining and shopping options before and after the coliseum events because escalators from the Big Dome will transport the customers to the award-winning Gateway Mall and the upcoming Gateway Tower.

A HAVEN FOR ATHLETES, PERFOMERS AND PROMOTERS

But the viewers are not the only ones to benefit from the Big Dome’s Extreme Transformation. Even the performers and players are in for a great surprise.

Athletes and sports fans will rave over the new sports lighting that will bathe the coliseum interiors. The coliseum’s construction consultants made sure that acoustics, floor and playing conditions are excellent and at par with the world’s best venues.

Over at the back of house, promoters, artists and athletes will love the new locker rooms. The media will also have its designated press room equipped with all the technological tools to transmit their stories in real time. During half-time or during intermission breaks, everyone can enjoy the entertainment and sports club at the front of house.

“You will feel the energy during concerts and sporting events like never before at the Big Dome after this extreme transformation. It’s like the Grand Dame of venues is sporting a brand new hair-do like the Madison Square Garden, says Noah.

With a transformation as extreme as that, there is no doubt that just like the Madison Square Garden, the Big Dome will continue to be the cultural icon of the country.