This Is What Led To The Closure Of South African Event Venue ‘Ticket Pro Dome’
This Is What Led To The Closure Of South African Event Venue ‘Ticket Pro Dome’. The venue took to Twitter to announce that it has been sold and it is closing down as the new owners aren’t going to be hosting events at the venue. The post read, “It is with a heavy heart that RX Venue Management today announces that after 20 years of being the management company of South Africa’s largest multipurpose indoor arena, The Ticket Pro Dome has now been sold by the owners, Sasol Pension Fund…”
“This is another devastating blow for the exhibitions, events and entertainment industry due to Cpovid-19. The ban on public gatherings meant that during 2020 and 2021, the Ticket Pro Dome has been unable to operate.”
Ticketpro Dome (originally known as the MTN Sundome) is an event venue located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The seating capacity is approximately 20,000 and covers about 11,000 square metres. The Dome opened on 8 April 1998 with a concert by Diana Ross in front of a 15,000 strong audience. Nelson Mandela made a surprise appearance on stage during the official opening.
Carol Weaving, MD of RX Africa said, “This is extremely disappointing and heartbreaking for our industry. The Ticket Pro Dome has been home to many international concerts and events in South Africa and this will undoubtedly leave a huge void.”
The Ticketpro Dome is situated adjacent to Northgate Shopping Centre on the corner of Olievenhout Avenue and Northumberland Road, in the suburb North Riding, a short distance west of the N1/Western Bypass highway. The venue is 45 km from OR Tambo International Airport, 16 km from Lanseria Airport and 20 km from the Sandton business centre. “The constant changes and severity of the Covid-19 restrictions have wrecked havoc amongst our stakeholders and across the supply chain. This has meant we were unable to change the outcome of Sasol Pension Fund decision to sell the venue due a force majeure.” Weaving added.
On 25 October 2015, South African hip hop recording artist Cassper Nyovest announced that tickets to his upcoming show at the venue titled #FillUpTheDome had sold out. He is the first South African hip hop act to accomplish this. The venue has always been known for its definitive dome shape which can be seen by travelers flying over Johannesburg and as far as the Hartebeesport Cable Way. The versatility as a multi-functional venue catering to a diverse range of events, and with the adjoining Blue Wing Conference and Events Venue, is what sets it apart as a blank canvas for event organisers to create a masterpiece.
