The Big Dome
by Elizabeth Aragon
The Araneta Coliseum is known for being the biggest events place located in Araneta Center Cubao. As the largest indoor facility found in Southeast Asia, it hosts extravagant events from sports to concerts and other entertainment events. With a dome diameter that measures 108 meters, it received recognition as "biggest covered coliseum in the world". Hence, receiving it's nickname as "the big dome". Its land area measures to about 40,000 square meters and can occupy at least 20,000 people.
On March 16, 1960, the coliseum was finally opened to the public. It was opened with the very first event, a boxing match between Gabriel "Flash" Elorde and American boxer, Harold Gomes, battling for the title of World Junior Lightweight. More than 33,000 spectators came to participate in this historical event. This match was just the first of many historical events that have taken place at the coliseum. The match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, known as "Thrilla in Manila" was also held at the Araneta Coliseum, adding to the list of big events once held there. During 1999, the big dome was renovated The renovation caused around 250 million in order to update and modify certain utilities found inside the dome. Some of the contributions were lockers, dressing rooms and seats. Today, Araneta Coliseum is still owned by the Progressive Development Corporation. J. Amado Araneta, a business tycoon who is the founder of Araneta Center, made a commitment; He said that he wanted to provide the Filipino people with the best entertainment at the lowest admission possible. Although today, this may not be the case with some events held at the dome, the Araneta Coliseum continues to serve Filipinos through entertainment in the best possible way.
On March 16, 1960, the coliseum was finally opened to the public. It was opened with the very first event, a boxing match between Gabriel "Flash" Elorde and American boxer, Harold Gomes, battling for the title of World Junior Lightweight. More than 33,000 spectators came to participate in this historical event. This match was just the first of many historical events that have taken place at the coliseum. The match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, known as "Thrilla in Manila" was also held at the Araneta Coliseum, adding to the list of big events once held there. During 1999, the big dome was renovated The renovation caused around 250 million in order to update and modify certain utilities found inside the dome. Some of the contributions were lockers, dressing rooms and seats. Today, Araneta Coliseum is still owned by the Progressive Development Corporation. J. Amado Araneta, a business tycoon who is the founder of Araneta Center, made a commitment; He said that he wanted to provide the Filipino people with the best entertainment at the lowest admission possible. Although today, this may not be the case with some events held at the dome, the Araneta Coliseum continues to serve Filipinos through entertainment in the best possible way.
A center piece.
Serving as the Philippines "center piece" for more than forty five years now, the Araneta Coliseum serves as the Filipinos show palace. There have been countless historical and remarkable events held under the roofs of this dome. Both international and local artist have graced the stage of the coliseum with their talents and presence only to perform for us. International artists include, Alicia Keys, Mandy Moore and it even goes way back to MC Hammer. We also have local events that have been held at the Araneta Coliseum; concerts by Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo and many more local artists. Aside from concerts and programs, certain sporting events are also supported by fellow Filipinos. Examples of old boxing matches include the “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975 and The World Basketball Championship back in 1978. The PBA or Philippine Basketball Association hold games here, the UAAP games are also a Filipino favorite that is most of the time held at the coliseum. This just goes to show that even since then; the big dome has served its purpose as a place for Filipinos to acquire the best entertainment.
Around the dome.
Try going around the dome in circles, I promise you, it's more than just a large circular coliseum. It's just as exciting inside, as it is outside. Despite being surrounded by Cubao city, the Araneta Coliseum has numerous bars and restaurants located around/outside it. There are also trees that still give one a fresh and clean feeling. There is a large parking lot located just outside, which of course is needed for such a huge place. The different hangouts vary from one's taste and definitely caters to the best of what you would want. It's a great place to just chill after maybe watching a game or even if you would just like to enjoy the scenery.
