Albie Morkel And Jo Black To Open Biggest Sports And Entertainment Centre In South Africa

The Ultimate Aim Sports Pavilion in Montana Park in Pretoria will soon be home to the biggest family entertainment centre in the country. Not only will it be the place for sports enthusiasts to gather to test their mettle and improve their skills in popular outdoor sports – including golf, archery and fishing – but it will also be a destination where families can feast on the tastiest dishes while enjoying various forms of entertainment on stage.

Albie Morkel & Jo Black

The centre, which is owned by three companies (AJAR, Ultimate Aim Group and The Bearded Butcher) with several shareholders – including South African cricket star Albie Morkel and award-winning singer Jo Black – will officially open its doors on 31 May 2019. The grand opening will be celebrated with a Jo Black concert and tickets to the event will be available to the public. Tickets will go on sale soon. Keep an eye on social media for further announcements.

According to Albie, the main goal is to provide wholesome entertainment for the entire family in one place. The sports section of this jewel will boast a variety of sporting activities, such as an archery range, a sophisticated, high-definition golf simulator, a shop selling golfing gear, fishing facilities and much more. “Our focus is on popular outdoor sports that families tend to do together, and we want it to be the best family destination in the country,” says Albie about this unique idea. “I was crazy about the concept from day one and know that it is going to be a hit. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. Everyone has a vision beyond the building, and it is important to try and make a difference in the country.”

Jo Black’s theatre restaurant, The Bearded Butcher, will be the heartbeat of the lively entertainment area of the centre. According to Jo, he and his three partners were looking for some land where they could establish a music restaurant with a driving range and children’s play area when Albie happened to ask him for advice on some unused space at the Ultimate Aim site. As soon as Jo saw it, he knew it was the spot they had been looking for.

“The space was earmarked for a restaurant anyway and Jo immediately liked the idea when I approached him. It will add tremendous value to the centre, not only by serving excellent food, but also because of the family-friendly atmosphere we want to establish,” adds Albie.

The Bearded Butcher was the name of a biltong business owned by the singer years ago. Now it is synonymous with a dream come true for him – the opening of his own theatre restaurant, which will bring various art forms to the stage; from music to stage productions (with sit-down dinners) and even comedy shows. “I myself live in Montana and there is definitely a need for a place where you can enjoy music and stage performances. We are going to try to secure a big name at least once a week to do an intimate show, with tables nice and close to the stage so the audience can get to know the artists better. There will also be comedy and one-man shows, as well as songwriter’s showcase evenings where young musicians will be exposed to artists who have some experience in the industry,” explains the much-loved artist.

“We will have a small menu, with carefully selected dishes unique to our restaurant with its rustic décor. The is a large play area to keep the kids busy, as well as several function areas to suit to any client’s needs. The restaurant area will cater to those who want to enjoy a relaxing meal off our a la carte menu, while drinks and tapas platters (with a South African twist) will be served in the Tapas Bar for people wanting something a bit less formal. Exclusive VIP boxes with comfortable couches will be available upstairs. The stage will be visible from every area.”

According to Jo, the new business has a fantastic team working behind the scenes to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. The kitchen will be manned by the well-known kykNET Kokkedoor finalist Linde Watson Graaff, who also has her own show, Spyskaart, on SABC 2. The day-to-day management of the restaurant and artist bookings will rest on the capable shoulders of Jenny Prinsloo, who boasts sixteen years’ experience in the restaurant industry and who owned her own catering business.

A trip to Ultimate Aim Sports Pavilion will be more than just another outing with the family. It will be an experience that will ensure everyone goes home with a smile as it caters to the interests of every family member or friend – whether they like sport and/or music, or just hanging out. It will also leave the most discerning taste buds wanting more.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb