In another blow to events industry, the Ticketpro Dome has been sold and will not host live events anymore.
RX Venue Management, which has managed the venue for 20 years, said that venue has been sold by its owners, the Sasol Pension Fund, to a third party that does not operate in the events space.
This news is a devasting blow for the exhibitions, events, and entertainment industry.
The ban on public gatherings, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has meant that during 2020 and now 2021, the Ticketpro Dome has been unable to operate.
“The selling of the Ticketpro Dome is extremely disappointing and heartbreaking for our industry. The Ticketpro Dome has been home to many international concerts and events in South Africa, and this will undoubtedly leave a huge void,” said MD of RX Carol Weaving.
“Unfortunately, as we are only the managing company, we were unable to change the outcome of Sasol Pension Fund selling the venue due to force majeure.”
What We Know About the Ticketpro Dome
Previously known as Coca Cola Dome, The dome opened on 8 April 1998 with a concert by Diana Ross. The late Nelson Mandela made an appearance at the concert and the concert was attended by over 15 000 people.
For two decades, the Ticketpro Dome was South Africa’s largest multipurpose indoor arena.
Over the years, the venue has played host to top international music artists such as Mariah Carey, John Legend, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Lauren Hill, Pharrell Williams, Celine Dion and Nicki Minaj
Some of the local artists that have performed at the Ticketpro Dome includes Prime Circle, The Parlotones, Lira, Tonya De Lazy and Black Coffee. However, rapper Cassper Nyovest was the first local artist to sell out the Dome for his spectacular event series, ‘Fill Up the Dome’.
On the exhibition front, the Dome has been home to many consumer and trade shows such as Homemakers Fair, Rage, Mama Magic Baby Show, Fire and Feast Food Festival, Mediatech Africa and Africa Automation Technology Fair.
In 2017, the NBA Africa Games were held at the Dome. WWE International and Disney on Ice has also been staged there.
TicketPro Dome will always be one of the most memorable venues in South Africa’s entertainment history.
The official handover of the venue will be on 7 September 2021.