World Cup 2010: Stadiums – Part 2
The 2010 FIFA World Cup will kick off in South Africa on the 11th of June next year. 3 million tourists are expected to make their way to South Africa for this event. The 2010 FIFA World Cup is expected to inject more than R20 billion ($2.6 billion) into the South African economy. 15,000 volunteers from around the world will be required by FIFA to host the event in South Africa. FIFA announced in early September 2009 that it has received nearly 70,000 applications from volunteers around the world. Interviews for volunteers will begin in December 2009. A survey released earlier this week indicated that 87 percent of the South Africans in the survey were convinced that South Africa would be ready to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Today we will be covering 2 more stadiums which will be used as match venues in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Both of these stadiums are situated in the city of Johannesburg in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The province only comprises 1.4% of South Africa’s total land area, but has a population of more than 9.5 million (according to estimates in 2005), making it the most populous province in South Africa. Johannesburg is the largest city in Sub-Saharan Africa and has a population of almost 4 million people. The South African public generally refers to Johannesburg as “Joburg” or “Egoli” (meaning place of gold). In 1886 gold was discovered in the area and people from all over the world flocked to the site of the present day city.
Coca Cola Park: Also known as Ellis Park Stadium. This stadium was first built in 1928 to be used for rugby. In 1982 it was rebuilt for the same reason. Ellis Park Stadium was named after a Johannesburg city councilman, J.D Ellis, who approved the land for the stadium (a full 13 acres). This stadium holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans. The Springboks beat New Zealand on this ground in 1995, winning the Rugby World Cup. Coca Cola Park is also the site of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final between Brazil and the United States. The stadium was upgraded before the tournament, increasing its seating capacity from 57,000 to 62,000. The stadium also features top notch media facilities, team whirlpools, top notch VIP areas for dignitaries, accessibility for disabled fans, a new pitch and a state-of-the-art audio visual setup to keep fans informed, occupied and entertained. The stadium is also the home of 2 local sports teams, The Golden Lions rugby team and Orlando Pirates FC football team. The venue is also regarded as one of South Africa’s premier concert venues. The Rolling Stones performed here in the early 1990s. Coca Cola Park Stadium promises to be one of most memorable venues of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Related Links:
Coca Cola Park Stadium – Official Website
Coca Cola Park – Wikipedia
Soccer City Stadium: This stadium has long been considered as the home of South African Football / Soccer since it was first built in 1987. Soccer City is situated in the South Western part of Johannesburg. It was first known as the FNB stadium with a capacity of about 80,000 people. It was also the first international football stadium to be constructed in South Africa. For the 2010 FIFA World Cup the stadium, now known as Soccer City Stadium, is being upgraded. The amount of suites in the stadium will be increased from 99 to 184. The upper tier of Soccer City Stadium will be upgraded to increase seating capacity. The stadium will be able to house 94,700 people comfortably. An encircling roof, new changing room facilities and new floodlighting were also added to the list of upgrades. The ground’s new design resembles an African pot known as a calabash. Soccer City Stadium was the venue for the first mass rally for Nelson Mandela after he was released from prison in 1990. Thousands of mourners also lamented Chris Hani’s assassination at the stadium in 1993. In 1996 Soccer City hosted the CAF African Cup of Nations final in which South Africa beat Tunisia 2 – 0. Soccer City will host the opening match and the final for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The atmosphere in this stadium promises to be very electric and vibrant.
Related Links:
Soccer City Stadium – Wikipedia
Soccer City Stadium – Official Website
