The Box

The company I used to be involved with many years ago had an entertainment box at the rugby stadium in Durban, South Africa. These corporate boxes were not cheap , but were put down as entertainment so a good tax write off. Lots of wining and dining was done over the years and is an important tool in getting to know your clients. Sometimes though you got to know them a little too well.

I used to help with the bar so we always had enough and plenty extras. The normal kick off was at 5 pm for most matches so give or take 4 hours for the evening and a 9 pm closing time. That was what the average companies did,but then we weren't average. Most closing times were well after 2 am and some very good memories.

The box would normally take 25 people so it would be 8 from the company and 17 clients including their partners if they wanted. We knew the makeup of who was going to be attending a few days before and would stock the fridges accordingly.

This facility as an entertainment venue was superb as you had 4 or 5 hours of your clients attention and when the drinks are flowing the orders increase. Most companies have a strict policy about accepting gifts and bribes so the way around it was to invite the clients bosses as well. This way they are all in it and no pointing of fingers come Monday morning.

The stadium was known for it's after parties on the outfields in the parking area after the game. Durban in winter time is still fairly hot and humid so it is good for outside parties and drinking. Sometimes when we left in the early hours there would still be a few hundred people listening to music and drinking.

Like some of my other posts I will do this over a few as there is just too much and don't just want to try and cram it all in one go.

Image source onestopgroup.co.za,thestormers.com