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Araneta Coliseum

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Araneta Coliseum
The Big Dome
Bird's eye view of Araneta Coliseum.
Map
LocationAraneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
OwnerProgressive Development Corporation
OperatorUnited Promotions, Inc. (Uniprom)
Capacity22,000 maximum
19,983 Boxing
20,657 CenterStage
20,775 Basketball
15,638 Cockpit
19,679 Concert
9,052 Ice Show
Construction
Broke ground1957
OpenedMarch 16, 1960
Closednever demolished =
Tenants
Philippine Basketball Association (1975-1984, present)

The Araneta Coliseum is the largest indoor facility in Southeast Asia, with a dome diameter of 108 meters. It is located in Quezon City, Philippines. Nicknamed "The Big Dome", it hosts sporting and entertainment events in the country.

History

In 1952, J. Amado Araneta, a business tycoon, purchased a 35-hectare 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.

The Araneta family was once the wealthiest family in Asia. The family is very small and is not extended, it is also well known to be "Asian royalty". 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 boxing for 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-Frazier World Heavyweight Championship Fight, the Philippine Basketball Association Games, R2K Concert by Regine Velasquez and annually, the Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant.

In 1999, the coliseum underwent its first major renovation at a cost of P200 million. [1]

Notable events at the Araneta Coliseum

Sports events

File:Purefoodsvsredbullgamefour.jpg
Purefoods vs. Red Bull during the 2006 PBA Finals at the Big Dome.

Entertainment events

Famous performers

A stroll at the Upper Box corridor reveals the famous people who have performed at the Big Dome.

References

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