The pandemic has wreaked havoc on so many industries – and the entertainment sector has not been spared. On Monday, July 19 the management of the TicketPro Dome announced that they will be closing the arena after two decades.
“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 Ticketpro Dome has now been sold by the owners, Sasol Pension Fund, to a third party which does not operate in the event space,” RX Venue Management wrote in a Facebook post.
The Dome, as it is fondly known to Joburgers, has been a landmark and a place where so many great international and local artists performed for crowds that filled the stadium to the brim.
“When it was being built my girls said it was a UFO and were waiting for the day it would take off from planet earth… Sad day… An odd building brought so much intrigue in the early days but so much excitement… Hobby expos, baby expos and concerts… Pity… But alas this seems to be the reality faced by SA,” reflected one Facebook user on the announcement.
This feels like a final blow to the entertainment sector in Johannesburg. Not only did the Dome host concerts, but was a favourable events and exhibition centre too.
Carol Weaving, MD of RX Africa, said: “This 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”.
“The constant changes and severity of the Covid-19 restrictions have wreaked 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 to a force majeure,” she said.
The company also thanked all their customers, suppliers and partners for the overwhelming support on the last two decades.
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