Last night saw the media and celebrity guests attend the pre-opening of Sun International’s latest masterpiece – the multi-billion rand development, Time Square, in Menlyn, Tshwane.
The casino complex opened to the public officially at 09h00 this morning, Saturday, 1 April 2017, following the ribbon cutting, which was conducted by Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss South Africa 2017; Time Square’s General Manager, Brett Hoppé, Deputy Chairperson of the Gaming Board, Shaila Hari; Sun International’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Leeming; Sun International’s Chief Operating Officer, Thabo Mosololi and Sun International’s Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer Rob Collins.
Time Square, being built at a cost of R4-billion, represents Sun International’s largest investment in a casino development in 15 years and forms part of the green Menlyn Maine precinct.
“Tick tock, the time has finally arrived for Sun International to unveil its new flagship casino development to the public. A tremendous feat, the first phase of the development has been completed in two years. Every day has been a milestone in this exceptionally exciting development, with the evolution of the site, especially in the past four months, being nothing short of breathtaking. Now we introduce a new era in entertainment and hospitality in Tshwane. We are ready to blow your mind,” says Hoppé.
Construction of Time Square started in April 2015, with development of the casino and restaurant section fast-tracked by six months to completion in exactly two years.
The casino itself is currently the second largest in South Africa, with two floors housing 2 000 slots and 60 tables, as well as a Sun Lounge, Prive and several private gaming rooms, as well as boasting specialty products never seen before in the country, some of which are exclusive to Sun International.
The time-themed, futuristically-designed casino features close to 1000 digital screens which will be optimized to generate evolving mind and mood experiences.
Opening with the casino are 18 new restaurants and bars by an eclectic ensemble of South African and international personalities including Forti Grill & Bar by Fortunato Mazzone (the charismatic South African chef, radio personality and owner of the multiple award winning Ristorante Ritrovo); Something’s Cooking by J’Something by Joao da Fonseca (the lead singer of Mi Casa and well known culinary artiste – aka J’Something) and Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar South Africa by Guy Fieri (American celebrity chef, restaurateur and TV host of Guy’s Big Bite and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives).
On rooftop of Time Square is Altitude, a champagne garden and supper club offering panoramic views of Menlyn and beyond – and a great spot to watch the sun set in the lap of luxury.
The next phase, construction of a state of the art, 8 500 seat Arena, will be complete in November this year, followed by phase three, The Maslow Time Square hotel in March 2018.
The only venue of its kind in Pretoria, the arena will play host to international and local concerts, exhibitions and lifestyle events. The hotel will offer new concept in hospitality, being a 238 room specialist business hotel, offering standard to premium accommodation.
Sun International proudly supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Gambling is for persons 18 years and older. Winners know when to stop. National Responsible Gambling Toll-free Counseling Line 0800 006 008. Sun International Casinos are licensed casinos.
Like Time Square South Africa on Facebook www.facebook.com/TimeSquareRSA and follow on Twitter @TimeSquareZA.
2 Comments
The staff at this casino are rude and think they are too good or superior to their client base. They must think that all of their clientele are “poor” or unable to afford their machines. The cheap machines are a complete waste of time. Silver cards are not allowed to go into the Privy section as you must have a minimum of gold. Gold card holders from Emperors are not good enough for Time Square Casino. Rather go to Emperors or Monte Casino where ones money seems to be accepted. Does Sun International have something to hide behind closed doors? In Las Vegas one is able to go to any machine. What makes Time Square better than Las Vegas. Time Square is a joke in comparison. Keep your Casino. There are plenty of other Casino’s in South Africa that welcome the South African Rand.
Hi Adrian, Thank you for your feedback and I am sorry to hear that you did not have a good experience at Time Square. I obviously do not work for them, so am not able to comment on some of your points, however I do know that each casino does have it’s own cards, so for example you would not be able to use an Emperors card at any other casino other than Emperors Palace – I don’t think this is unusual at all.
The Prive section is their platinum or top level tier, you need to be a Prive Club Member to access it – and I can totally understand that as well, I also cannot access exclusive Club Member lounges as I am not a club member. A bit like country club, where you pay a membership fee for the exclusive privledge of using it. If I was paying I would not be happy with just anyone being allowed in.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your feelings with me.
Regards Heather