Johannesburg’s premier indoor concert arena – The Dome – is changing hands and the new owners are not into having fun with loud music and large crowds.
Widely known as the gateway into Johannesburg, the Ticketpro Dome has been the venue of choice for international as well as local music and comedy shows.
For 20 years it was the largest indoor venue in South Africa, with uninterrupted floor space that could host shows in a variety of setups.
RX Venue Management said it was with “a heavy heart” that it announced on Monday the sale of the popular concert venue.
“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,” said a statement issued by RX Venue Management.
This is another devastating blow for the exhibitions, events, and entertainment industry due to Covid-19.
The ban on public gatherings has meant that during 2020 and now 2021, the Ticketpro Dome has been unable to operate.
RX Africa MD Carol Weaving, said: “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.
“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.”
The Ticketpro Dome solidified global recognition with companies and promoters throughout several industries and will be remembered as an iconic venue across the events, exhibitions, and entertainment sectors.
The Dome opened on 8 April 1998 with a concert by Diana Ross attended by over 15 000 people with a special guest appearance by the late former President Nelson Mandela.
Over the years, the venue has played host to top international music artists such as Pink, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Lauren Hill, Pharrell Williams, Celine Dion and Michael Buble.
Several years ago Jamaican top acts Culture and Burning Spear set the stage alight at the Dome.
On the local front, artists such as Prime Circle, The Parlotones, Lira, Tonya De Lazy, Black Coffee, and Soweto Gospel Choir have graced the stage.
South African rapper, Cassper Nyovest became the first local artist to sell out the Dome. Some 20 000 tickets were sold even before the event, suitably billed ‘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, WWE International and Disney on Ice were all held at the Dome.
In 2020, the Ticketpro Dome launched the successful Hybrid Studio in response to the global pandemic.
