10 destinations, more than half a million visitors, soccer stars and nail biting thrill- the 2010 football World Cup in Africa promises to be an event of a lifetime. As the countdown begins for the gala occasion, here’s a stock taking on the special preparations that would add a greater punch to the mega soccer celebration.
Africa has prepared ten dream destinations to give the soccer lovers a grand experience. South African cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg and Pretoria are under extensive refurbishing to welcome soccer fans from all across the world with unprecedented hospitality and warmth.
Ten grounds in these nine host cities have been transformed with extensive facelifts for the World Cup and with a little over eight months before the opening ceremony takes place in Johannesburg on June 11, all that’s left are one or two finishing touches.
A prime highlight of the preparations is Johannesburg’s Soccer City that will host four group games, a second round game and the final apart from the opening gala. The 94,700 capacity stadium that was originally built in 1987 has undergone a £192million revamp which includes ten grey arrows in the stadium seats pointing to each of the nine other stadiums. A tenth arrow has been added to point towards Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, the site of the last FIFA final.
Ellis Stadium, the second venue in Johannesburg has been revamped to 61,000-seater stadium to host five group games, a second round game and a quarter-final.
The Green Point Stadium in Cape Town and Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban would host the two semi-finals. Cape Town’s brand new stadium with a see through roof has a capacity of 68,000 seats and would be ready by December 2009. The Moses Mabhida Stadium – named after a key figure in the battle against apartheid has a seating space of 70,000 and includes a 350m arch above the pitch.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth has undergone a £136m facelift and can hold 48,000 fans. The stadium would be the venue for the third and fourth play-off as well as five group games, a second round match and a quarter-final.
Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium and the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria will each host five group games and a second round game. Both venues have undergone major £40m refurbishments.
Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium
A unique football destination in Africa would be the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein which is 1,395m above sea-level. Venue for South Africa’s last group game, the stadium is expected to see some great action in stands going by the loud cheering nature of soccer fans in this area.
The Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit and the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, are the smallest venue stadiums for the World Cup and can hold 46,000 fans each.
South Africa is famous for its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere. The 2010 World Cup promises to be a spectacular event for visitors, with a range of venues and cities hosting matches. Each venue city offers unique attractions including wildlife parks, mountains to climb and cultural spots to visit. Combine this with welcoming locals, good food and great weather, and get ready for a soccer experience to remember!!
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