FIFA World Cup Stadia
A Guide to the Venues in Use for the 2010 World Cup
Nine cities and ten stadiums will be in operation for the tournament with the final being held in Johannesburg’s ‘Soccer City’ Stadium. Built in 1987, the heart of South African football has undergone a major re-construction which will see it viewed as one of the most eye-catching stadiums in the World. Prior to the World Cup, the stadium is possibly most famous for hosting a mass rally of Nelson Mandela after his prison release in the early 1990’s.
Johannesburg’s second stadium, ‘Ellis Park’, will also host games throughout the tournament. Built in 1982, the stadium hosted the 1995 Rugby Union World Cup Final which saw South Africa defeat New Zealand after extra time. The Stadium is located in the centre of the vibrant City and is the home of the Orlando Pirates.
Durban
The newly built ‘Durban Stadium’ in Natal will hold 70,000 people and host one of the semi finals of the tournament. Specifically designed as a multi-purpose venue, the stadium is home to a cable car which ascends to a viewing platform at the top of the expansive 350m arch, a staggering 106m above the pitch.
Cape Town
Built on an old golf course, ‘The Green Point Stadium’ in Cape Town is located near to the city’s transporation hub and has a superb backdrop of the mountains of Cape Town and the beautiful blue ocean. The 70,000 capacity venue will host the tournament’s other semi final match.
Bloemfontein
The passionate ‘Free State Stadium’ (also known as ‘Vodacom Park’) is the home of Rugby Union side ‘Free State Cheetahs’. The 48,000 capacity venue has hosted numerous major sporting events such as the Confederations Cup semi final between the US and Spain, and the British & Irish Lions clash with the Cheetahs on their 2009 tour of South Africa. The stadium will host 6 matches culminating in a second round match.
Port Elizabeth
The newly built ‘Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium’ is a sensational looking venue overlooking the picturesque North End Lake. The venue for the third place playoff has a capacity of 48,000 and was the venue for the British & Irish Lions win over the Southern Kings on their recent tour.
Nelspruit
Just 7km from Nelspruit city centre stands the 46,000 capacity ‘Mbombela Stadium’ (meaning 'many people together in a small space.') The stadium will host just four matches during the tournament.
Polokwane
Named after one of South Africa’s most famous names, the ‘Peter Mokaba Stadium’ is a newly built stadium at the side of the previous stadium with the same name. The 46,000 capacity venue is a largely concrete venue inspired by the local Baobab tree which along with the name gives the venue a real ‘home feeling’
Rustenburg
The 42,000 capacity ‘Royal Bafokeng Stadium’ is named after the Bafokeng people who inhabit the area. The stadium is just a 25 minute drive from Sun City and was host to South Africa’s 2-1 World Cup Qualifying match against Bakino Faso, as well as the opening match of the Lions tour.
Pretoria
‘Loftus Versfeld’ is one of the most famous stadiums in South Africa and regularly hosts South African Rugby Union Internationals including the second test win over the Lions to seal a series win. With a capacity of 50,000 the stadium will host matches up until the second round.
Despite a construction strike earlier in the year, the South African Football Association claim that all the venues will be ready for the showpiece event.
Sources:
FIFA World Cup 2010
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