South Africa 2010 Stadiums

In preparation for millions of football fans descending on South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, there was a call for world-class stadiums in which games could be played. Thanks to the existing rugby and soccer culture here, there were a number of existing stadiums that could be revamped to accommodate this international event. However, in other major host cities, new stadiums needed to be built.

"In Africa, soccer enjoys great popularity and has a particular place in the hearts of people. This is why it is so important that the Fifa World Cup will for the first time ever be hosted on the African continent in 2010. We feel privileged and humbled that South Africa have been given the singular honour of being that African host country."Nelson Mandela.

Five of the existing stadiums underwent dramatic renovations, transforming them into modern facilities that were amply equipped to welcome the games and the fans. These were Soccer City Stadium (Johannesburg), Ellis Park Stadium (Johannesburg), Loftus Versveld Stadium (Pretoria), Royal Bafokeng Stadium (Rustenburg) and Free State Stadium Stadium (Bloemfontein).

In other cities, brand new stadiums were built (or rebuilt), gracing the skyline and adding a new dimension to the tourist offering of these epicentres. These were Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit), Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Port Elizabeth), Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane), Moses Mabhida Stadium (Durban) and Cape Town Stadium (Cape Town).

New and revamped stadiums now boast comfortable facilities that are professionally and efficiently managed. They are frequently used for soccer matches, rugby games, and other events (including music concerts). This kind of facility renewal goes a long way in ensuring that South Africa is on the world map as a veritable tourist and sporting destination.

The Final 10 Stadiums