It’s well-known that hotels are graded with stars, indicating the services and facilities they offer on a rising scale from one to five. But did you know that the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa also awards stars to associated venues like entertainment arenas? The experience offered in places like these are also graded according to their excellence.
Time Square’s SunBet Arena is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose venue in Tshwane that is equipped to host large-scale events, concerts, exhibitions and conferences. The arena has a capacity of 8 500 people for sporting events and seated concerts, and 10 000 for standing concerts, plus luxury hospitality suites and meeting rooms.
“We were not graded during Covid but have received and maintained our five-star grading since we opened in 2018,” says Ruben Gooranah, Time Square Casino general manager.
During that time, SunBet Arena has hosted some of the biggest names in international entertainment and multiple sporting events. To meet the five-star standard, the arena must be able to host a variety of events, from concerts to conferences, with seamless organisation and execution.
So far, in 2025 alone, the SunBet Arena stage has been graced by Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Mike and The Mechanics, Roxette, Cigarettes After Sex, Sting and Tyla – to name a few.
“Went to go watch Cigarettes After Sex and had a great experience. We had easy and quick access inside and out of the parking. Friendly staff all round from when we entered to the ushers showing us to our seats. Looking forward to more shows at this venue. Professional place,” commented tour guide Jordan Artist in a Google review.
Cape Town-based SN Boxing had fighters on the card for The Reckoning: The WBC Bridgerweight World Championship in May 2025, and coach Steven Newton said the facilities for the boxers behind the scenes were superb, and has nothing but praise for the degree of professionalism they were afforded. Each fighter had his own spacious changing room with a shower, and the overall impression was world class.
In the front of house, supporter Gift Tembo said he was very impressed with the arena. “Visibility was good from all the seating areas, getting inside was efficient, and there are lots of food and drink vendors. Really fantastic.”
On Google, Baylee Shapiro says: “This arena was so clean with great air con. The acoustics were equally as impressive. We’re already looking forward to our next concert here!”
The acoustics is part of the criteria for a venue to maintain a five-star rating: “The arena must offer state-of-the-art facilities, including high-quality seating, sound systems, lighting, and stage equipment,” says the grading guidance booklet.
Exceptional customer service is also crucial. This includes efficient ticketing, friendly staff, and excellent crowd management during events. In addition, the venue must be impeccably clean and well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.
The requirements also include high standards of safety and security, which are essential, including well-trained security personnel and emergency protocols. The arena must be easily accessible, with adequate parking, clear signage, and facilities for people with disabilities.
“These criteria ensure that visitors have a world-class experience at the SunBet Arena,” says Gooranah.
Whenever you attend an event at SunBet Arena, you can do so with the comfort and knowledge that every aspect of your night out is going to be exceptional, because all the boxes have been ticked.
SunBet Arena is part of the Time Square Casino complex – the biggest leisure centre of its kind in Gauteng – which includes a hotel with unique multi-star room gradings, conference centre, 18 restaurants, lounges, and bars, all offering a diversity of cuisines and experiences; and of course, the casino. This exciting state-of-the-art facility extends over two floors with 1 550 slot machines using cutting-edge technology to offer innovative new games. Tables players are spoilt for choice with 54 tables offering popular games such as blackjack, baccarat, poker, roulette and raise ‘em poker.
Time Square is in the heart of the vibrant Menlyn Maine district; more than a destination, it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, you’ll find everything you need right at your fingertips.
