Johannesburg

Hoops and heights, Joburg's rooftop basketball court

23 Feb 2024
It's not only Joburg's streets that are alive with the rhythm of urban culture, you can also now hear that beat on the rooftop. 

This month saw the launch of a sky-high basketball court at 73 Juta Street, the same building in which, each Saturday, The Playground opens its doors. The project is a collaboration between Play Braam who owns the building, the immediate city blocks surrounding the market, and Hennessy, a cognac brand.
 
Joburg's skyline gets a slam dunk with the city's first rooftop basketball court. Photo: Duma Collective.

Hennessy was also recently involved in rejuvenating the basketball court at Ernest Oppenheimer Park in the City Centre. They teamed up on both projects with local visual maestro Seth Pimentel, the experimental painter and illustrator also known as African Ginger, but this time, they've taken it to new heights. 
 
The new landmark basketball court was unveiled on Sat, Nov 4 as a canvas where art and sport converge in a spectacular display of colour and skill.
 
Hoops in the heights in Braamfontein. Photo: Duma Collective.

Play Braam, the people behind The Playground, LOCO Mexican Restaurant, 99 Juta and the revitalisation of the district, are committed to making a genuine impact on the place and community of Braamfontein, and also adding some joy to city life. 

In a display of his artistic prowess, Pimentel painted the court with hues inspired by the African sunset. The seasoned artist's distinctive and colourful style breathes life into the court as well as reflects the aesthetic of the neighbourhood. Whether he's skateboarding the city streets or applying his eye to massive murals near Maboneng, this Joburg native has a strong tie to the City Centre and the cultures that define it and exist within it. 
 
A view from the top of the game that never stops. Photo: Duma Collective.

To play three-a-side or experience the glass floor observation deck 50m above ground, you can book the court for 45-minute sessions (max 15 people) on Saturdays while The Playground is open.
 

GET THERE WITH GAUTRAIN

The Playground is a short drive from the Park Station Gautrain station. See our guide to the Gautrain here and download the Gautrain app for real-time updates on when the next Gautrain and Gautrain midi-bus is due. Visit www.gautrain.co.za for more information on the timetable and fares. #YourGautrainJourneyStartsHere

Comments

Connect via social media
google sign in button
Leave a comment using your email This e-mail address is not valid
Please enter your name*

Please share your location

Enter your message*
Put our app in your pocket
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here. AGREE
Top