• CHERYL G. CRUZ
SM Skyhall, a new multi-events venue, opened Oct. 8 on the sixth floor of the mall’s North Block, and, although primarily configured for sports, was also designed to host a wide mix of activities, including concerts, conventions, graduations, trade shows, and social functions.
“Skyhall was designed with a simple ambition: to give Bacolod and Negros a venue that’s within reach, easy to work with, and ready for whatever your imagination wants to build,” Michelle Leslie Llanos, vice president for SM Supermalls Visayas, said in her message at the ceremonial opening also attended by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, and several councilors, among other guests.
More than a hall, Skyhall is a contribution to Bacolod’s momentum, supporting events that create jobs, lift small businesses, and give everyone front-row experiences to dream bigger, Llanos stressed.
She thanked partners in government, schools, sports, business, and the creative community, and said that Skyhall is built to adapt – whether it’s a league game, a cultural showcase, a city program, or a company town hall.
The space can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, and offers a choice of fan or air-conditioned setup, a FIBA and FIVB standard wooden court, fixed and flexible seating, dugout facilities and restrooms, and a spacious lobby for ingress, egress and reception needs, the mall said in a press release, adding the layout allows for quick changeovers, from athletic events to stage productions and conferences.
The location places organizers and audiences inside the growing North Block ecosystem of restaurants, food concepts and wellness hubs, a four-level covered carpark, the National University Bacolod campus, and the upcoming SM Offices. Manokan Country is also a short walk from the complex, adding a distinctly Bacolod stop for teams, performers, and guests.
“Skyhall is about access and choice. We wanted a venue that feels close to daily life and is practical to configure for different event goals,” Llanos said. “Our E.P.I.C. idea invites communities to Entertain, Play, Inspire and Celebrate in one place.”
The mall said that Skyhall adds to SM’s portfolio of multi-events properties in the country, complements larger destinations, such as the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and aligns with modular, mid-scale venues, like the SM Southmall Events Hall, which serves concerts, conventions and indoor sports. | CGC
