Pacific Bulawayo Shutdown Gig Moved to ZITF Main Arena to Avoid Venue Conflict

The highly anticipated Pacific Bulawayo Shutdown gig, initially set to take place at Queens Sports Club on April 26, has been relocated to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Main Arena. Organisers made the announcement to ensure the event runs smoothly and avoids any potential conflicts with both the City of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).

The decision comes after strong opposition from Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, who raised concerns about the event’s impact on preparations for Zimbabwe’s upcoming international test cricket fixtures against New Zealand and South Africa. The cricket matches, scheduled around the same time, are a significant event for the city, and the Mayor argued that hosting the Pacific Bulawayo Shutdown at Queens Sports Club would jeopardize these crucial arrangements.

In response to the growing tension and potential for conflict, Harris Entertainment, the event organisers, issued a statement on April 5. The statement clarified the situation regarding Queens Sports Club, highlighting that under the club’s current lease agreement with ZC, the venue holds the right to host social events and activities in addition to cricket matches. However, the organisers recognised the importance of resolving the matter to avoid further disruptions.

The new venue, the ZITF Main Arena, offers a large space with the capacity to accommodate the expected crowd while ensuring minimal disruption to city plans. The event will proceed as scheduled, with ZITF partnering with Harris Entertainment to host the gig in the newly confirmed location.

The announcement of the venue change puts an end to any potential further disputes, allowing the Pacific Bulawayo Shutdown to go ahead without any more hitches. In the press release, Harris Entertainment expressed gratitude for the support and understanding of all involved, ensuring that fans can look forward to an unforgettable event.

The Pacific Bulawayo Shutdown is expected to draw large crowds, and the ZITF Main Arena provides an ideal venue for the high-energy musical experience. Fans can now look forward to enjoying the event in a venue that not only offers ample space but also guarantees that preparations for the cricket matches will continue smoothly.