CAVITE, PHILIPPINES - The traditional mall experience is undergoing a massive, high-energy transformation. In a bold move that permanently redefines retail spaces as wellness sanctuaries, SM Sports and Leisure has officially announced a monumental PHP1 billion investment to build state-of-the-art multi-sport facilities and active social hubs across the country. The sweeping infrastructure rollout is engineered to bring premier, tournament-grade spaces for movement, recreation, and community connection directly to millions of everyday Filipinos.
The Philippines' Largest Mall-Based Sports Infrastructure
According to SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan, this massive capital injection is a direct response to a profound cultural shift, as more Filipinos aggressively prioritize holistic fitness and active living. President Steven T. Tan emphasized that SM aims to make fitness accessible and inclusive for everyone, building a large community where active living becomes part of daily life. These new hubs feature international tournament-grade standards designed for both hobbyists and competitive athletes. This initiative positions SM as a leader in mall-integrated athletics with an impressive and expanding portfolio. The company now features pickleball courts with 108 courts for the rapidly growing racket sport, bowling lanes with 176 lanes nationwide for casual and professional play, ice skating with three Olympic-sized rinks for skating and hockey, and running tracks with dedicated jogging paths and event lawns. This comprehensive infrastructure investment reflects SM's commitment to providing Filipinos with world-class facilities for a wide range of athletic pursuits.
Decades of Sports Innovation
Promoting wellness builds on over 30 years of SM Supermalls championing grassroots athletics through clinics and major marathons like the SM2SM Run and Galaxy Manila Marathon. By evolving into an experiential lifestyle ecosystem, SM provides spaces where communities can train and grow together. The PHP1 billion investment represents a significant expansion of SM's existing sports infrastructure and underscores the company's long-term vision of integrating wellness into the retail experience. This initiative aligns with the growing popularity of sports like pickleball, which has seen a surge in participation across the Philippines, and the increasing demand for accessible fitness options in commercial spaces. As SM continues to develop these multi-sport facilities, it is positioning itself at the forefront of a broader trend where malls are evolving beyond shopping destinations to become comprehensive lifestyle and wellness hubs that serve the diverse needs of Filipino communities.
