Cape Town might spend R30 million on a temporary roof for the DHL Stadium to host a major UFC fight.
The city’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, confirmed the plan in a recent interview on CapeTalk radio.
The stadium’s open roof has made it difficult to hold events during bad weather, but this could change, especially since Cape Town hopes to host South African UFC champion Dricus du Plessis’s title defence. An indoor venue is needed for such an event.
Du Plessis made history by winning his UFC title in January.
UFC president Dana White said: “If Dricus becomes the world champion, it’s a no-brainer. We will go to South Africa.”
After Du Plessis’s victory, White confirmed that Dricus could headline a UFC event in Africa, and Hill-Lewis is confident Cape Town can be the host.
“We’re working hard to make sure the next title fight happens right here in Cape Town,” he said in August.
The city has already started planning for the event. Engineers have created four designs for a temporary roof that can be put up and taken down as needed, making the stadium adaptable for other events.
If all goes well and the government approves, the roof could be ready by March next year.
However, Cape Town faces competition from Johannesburg and Pretoria, which are also vying to host the UFC event.
Cape Town is still discussing final plans with the national government and considering using the International Convention Centre as an alternative venue.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: The Cape Town Stadium.
Source: Cape Tourism
