Sotto’s: The Rise and Fall of a Legendary Venue in Zottegem

Just a thirty-minute drive from Waregem, in the heart of Zottegem, stands the once-iconic Sotto’s, a mega-discothèque that captured the hearts of club-goers and music fans alike. Originally opening its doors in 1999, Sotto’s was built on the grounds behind the former Krypton discothèque, with both venues owned by the same group. Designed as a massive dance hall and event venue, Sotto’s quickly became a hotspot for live performances, especially by popular Flemish artists. In its prime, Sotto’s was packed with crowds eager to experience the vibrant energy and entertainment.

As the years passed, several initiatives attempted to revive Sotto’s and bring new life to its vast hall. Despite these efforts, Sotto’s eventually fell into disuse, with the grand building left vacant and neglected. When we arrived in Zottegem, we were eager to see what had become of this legendary venue. Unfortunately, the last news we read reported that a recent attempt to convert Sotto’s into an event hall had ended in bankruptcy.

Approaching the building, we couldn’t help but notice the familiar façade of Sotto’s coming into view. The structure itself appeared abandoned, with weeds overtaking the surroundings and signs of disrepair visible on the exterior. It was a stark reminder of the club’s once-vibrant presence in Zottegem. Around the back, the state of neglect was even more apparent.

Upon reaching the front doors, we saw police seals and an official document posted, declaring that the building did not meet fire safety regulations and that the operator had been declared bankrupt. To prevent any unauthorized events from taking place, authorities had sealed the venue, adding an air of finality to Sotto’s story. Though unable to enter, we managed to take a photo of the entrance hall by pressing our camera against the reflective glass doors.

Leaving Sotto’s left us with a bittersweet feeling. It’s hard to see such an impressive venue, with so much potential, remain in limbo. We can only hope that someone will step in with a fresh concept and bring Sotto’s back to life, making use of this grand space once more.

Fans of Sotto’s still gather on a dedicated Facebook group, where they share memories of the iconic club and hold onto the hope that it might someday reopen.