The Philippines’ Mall of Asia Arena (MOA) in Pasay City is slowly emerging as one of the top venues for sports and entertainment in Asia following its opening at the bay area in June 2012.

After about a year in operation, MOA has served as venue for big concerts as well as local and international sports events.

Since its opening, MOA has hosted fully sold out concerts of popular international singers and song artists, including Lady Gaga, Nicki Minah, and Jennifer Lopez, among others.

Several Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games have been held at the arena. It has also hosted the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) first game of its finals series against the San Beda Red Lions and the Letran Knights last year.

This year at least two big international sports and entertainment events are scheduled to he held at the arena which include the FIBA Asia Championship to be held on Aug.1-11 and the preseason game of NBA’s Indiana Pacers against Houston Rockets.

The NBA’s preseason game on October 10 will be NBA’s first in Southeast Asia as the league tries to expand its presence in the region.

The Arena has a seating capacity of 16,000 expandable to 20,000. The UAAP which is a regular tenant of MOA has recorded a high of 20,686 people inside during the first game of the UAAP 2012 finals.

Built at the cost of P3.6 billion, MOA is home to PBA, NCAA and UAAP.