Located at the heart of Pasay City in Metro Manila, Cuneta Astrodome stands as one of the Philippines’ most iconic and enduring indoor arenas. With its unique blend of cultural significance, sporting history, and community relevance, it has become far more than just a building. For many Filipinos, the Cuneta Astrodome is a symbol of collective memories, victories, celebrations, and even peaceful protests. Cuneta Astrodome

Over the years, it has hosted some of the most unforgettable events in the country’s sports and entertainment landscape, cementing its legacy as one of the most important public venues in Philippine history.

The Birth of a City Landmark
The Cuneta Astrodome was inaugurated in 1993, a project brought to life by the local government of Pasay under the leadership of Mayor Pablo Cuneta — the longest-serving mayor in the country at the time. The dome was built with the vision of creating a world-class indoor facility that could host major sporting events, concerts, political rallies, and social gatherings.

At the time of its opening, it was one of the few modern indoor arenas in Metro Manila with a seating capacity of up to 12,000 people. It quickly became a favorite venue not only for sporting events but also for entertainment and cultural activities.

A Legendary Venue for Basketball Fans
Perhaps more than anything else, the Cuneta Astrodome is remembered as a basketball shrine. In the 1990s and early 2000s, it served as one of the main venues for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the oldest professional basketball league in Asia and one of the most popular sports leagues in the Philippines.

Basketball legends like Alvin Patrimonio, Johnny Abarrientos, and Allan Caidic graced the court of the Astrodome, with thousands of fans cheering from the stands. The high-energy atmosphere, the passionate crowd, and the unforgettable buzzer-beaters made this dome the center of Filipino sports culture.

Even today, the dome is still used for local leagues, college tournaments, and community basketball events, showing how deeply rooted the love for basketball is in this venue.

A Multi-Purpose Venue for All Generations
But the legacy of the Cuneta Astrodome extends far beyond sports. It has also been the go-to venue for a wide range of events across different industries. Over the years, the dome has hosted:

Major concerts by local OPM artists and visiting international acts

Religious events, crusades, and spiritual conferences

National political rallies, campaign launches, and government assemblies

Corporate conventions, product expos, and job fairs

Beauty pageants, wrestling matches, and TV tapings

Its flexible design allows it to be transformed based on the needs of the event. From full concert stage setups to basketball courts, from expo booths to worship stages, the Astrodome has done it all.

A Venue Close to the People
One of the biggest advantages of Cuneta Astrodome is its strategic location. Situated along Roxas Boulevard and just minutes away from major transportation hubs, it’s easily accessible to people from all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

It is also close to key landmarks such as:

SM Mall of Asia

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

Cultural Center of the Philippines

Pasay City Hall

This makes the Astrodome not just a place for events, but also a central part of the city’s daily life. It is where people gather for both celebrations and causes, for both entertainment and unity.

Facing Modern Challenges with a Legacy of Resilience
As newer and more modern arenas were built in the 2010s, such as the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum’s renovations, Cuneta Astrodome faced stiff competition in terms of technology, size, and design. However, instead of being forgotten, it found its niche in community-based events, affordable venue rentals, and government-supported programs.

The local government of Pasay has also committed to maintaining and upgrading the facility, keeping it relevant for the younger generation. While other stadiums focus on high-profile events, the Astrodome continues to serve grassroots movements, local entertainment, and public services — a true public venue for the people.

Preserving Cultural and Sports Heritage
What sets the Cuneta Astrodome apart from other arenas is its emotional value. For many Filipinos, it is not just a venue — it is a place where dreams were fulfilled, careers were launched, and communities came together. It holds a deep sentimental meaning for those who have performed, competed, or simply watched life-changing moments within its walls.

It remains a living testament to the passion, energy, and unity of the Filipino people — from basketball and music to activism and faith. The dome continues to reflect the resilience, creativity, and heart of Pasay City.

Conclusion: A Dome That Lives in the Hearts of the People
The Cuneta Astrodome is not just part of Pasay’s skyline; it’s part of the city’s soul. Through decades of changing times, it has proven its ability to adapt while staying true to its roots as a community-centered, people-first venue.

As the world continues to change, and new entertainment hubs rise, the Cuneta Astrodome will always be remembered — not just for what it is, but for what it means.

Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a concertgoer, a Pasay local, or a first-time visitor, the Cuneta Astrodome welcomes you with history, energy, and that unmistakable Filipino spirit.