It was originally built as an athletics stadium, but also hosted football and rugby matches.

The eighth IAAF World Cup in Athletics was held at the stadium in 1998.

DEFF leppard concert in December 5th 1996 Michael Jackson performed two shows (sold out) on his HIStory World Tour, on 10 and 12 October 1997.

Tina Turner concluded the African leg of her Wildest Dreams Tour, with two consecutive shows, on 21–22 April 1996.

Kendrick Lamar also performed his South African leg of his international tour here on 8 February 2014.