Friday, January 15, 2010

Johannesburg - Soccer City


Soccer City can quite rightfully call itself the home of football in South Africa. In the mid 1980s, football officials came together to build the first international football stadium in the country and the construction was funded from the football fraternity's coffers.

Soccer City hosted the first mass rally of Nelson Mandela after his release in 1990. Thousands of mourners lamented Chris Hani's assassination at the stadium in 1993. It was also the venue for the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals, with South Africa eventually triumphing.

It is also a neighbour to the home of the South African Football Association and its new headquarters, the SAFA House. The Local Organising Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, as well as the FIFA offices, are currently being housed in SAFA House.

Soccer City will be the flagship stadium for the first FIFA World Cup™ in Africa. The design is unique and unusual as the outer part of the stadium is designed to resemble an African pot. About 40 percent of Joburg's population live in Soweto, in close proximity to Soccer City. This will make the stadium a hub of activity during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

It currently seats 80,000 people, but after its planned upgrade should seat 94,700.

Durban Stadium - Durban



Durban has had a long footballing history. The first league was started in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The biggest match the city has hosted was when South Africa played a full strength England national team in 2002. Durban was also the venue for South Africa's first post-apartheid game when they played Cameroon, winning1-0 at King's Park. The city also hosted group, quarter and semi-final matches during the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Tunisia secured their place in the final when they beat Zambia 4-2.
The new Durban stadium will pick up where King's Park left off and provide a world-class venue for football games. It will be have a gross seating capacity of 70,000, and the design of the stadium will be characterized by two large archways which arc 100 meters above the stadium roof.
The new three-tiered stadium will be part of the Durban's King Park sporting precinct. The sporting precinct will also include a variety of different sporting disciplines including athletics, rugby, golf and swimming.

Individual Match Tickets prices

Prices in US Dollars (US $)

Matches Teams Cat. 1 Cat. 2 Cat. 3 Wheelchair
Group Germany - Australia 160 120 80 20
Group Spain - Switzerland 160 120 80 20
Group Netherlands - Japan 160 120 80 20
Group Nigeria - Korea Republic 160 120 80 20
Group Portugal - Brazil 160 120 80 20
Round of 16 1E vs 2F 200 150 100 50
Semi-final W59 vs W60 600 400 250 100
Prices in South African Rand (ZAR)

Matches Teams Cat. 1 Cat. 2 Cat. 3 Cat.4 Wheelchair
Group Germany - Australia 1,120 840 560 140 140
Group Spain - Switzerland 1,120 840 560 140 140
Group Netherlands - Japan 1,120 840 560 140 140
Group Nigeria - Korea Republic 1,120 840 560 140 140
Group Portugal - Brazil 1,120 840 560 140 140
Round of 16 1E vs 2F 1,400 1,050 700 350 350
Semi-final W59 vs W60 4,200 2,800 1,750 700 700

Green Point Stadium - Cape Town


Cape Town is building a new stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The stadium will be in the suburb of Green Point, which the stadium is also named after. Fans will be a stone's throw from the ocean and the mountains of Cape Town will be the backdrop for matches. The location is ideal as it is a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. The new stadium precinct will be built on part of the land currently occupied by a golf course.
Upon completion, Green Point stadium will have a gross seating capacity of 70,000 and it is scheduled for completion by 2009.
Cape Town has another world-standard stadium, Newlands, but is primarily used as a rugby union stadium. The stadium has, however, hosted Tottenham Hotspur in 2003, as part of their South African tour.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa has offered the city the opportunity to build a multi-purpose international stadium that will be used for a variety of events after the tournament has left Cape Town's shores.

Individual Match Tickets prices

Prices in US Dollars (US $)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Wheelchair
Group
Uruguay - France
160
120
80
20
Group
Italy - Paraguay
160
120
80
20
Group
England - Algeria
160
120
80
20
Group
Portugal - Korea DPR
160
120
80
20
Group
Cameroon - Netherlands
160
120
80
20
Round of 16
1H - 2G
200
150
100
50
Quarter-final
W52 vs W51
300
200
150
75
Semi-final
W58 vs W57
600
400
250
100
Prices in South African Rand (ZAR)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Cat. 4
Wheelchair
Group
Uruguay - France
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Italy - Paraguay
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
England - Algeria
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Portugal - Korea DPR
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Cameroon - Netherlands
1,120
840
560
140
140
Round of 16
1H vs 2G
1,400
1,050
700
350
350
Quarter-final
W52 vs W51
2,100
1,400
1,050
525
525
Semi-final
W58 vs W57
4,200
2,800
1,750
700
700

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth


The city does not currently have a dedicated football stadium. All international matches were played at the Eastern Province rugby team's ground, including the 2005 Nelson Mandela Challenge between South Africa and Senegal at the rugby union stadium.
Despite not having a team in the Premier Soccer League, the city is exceptionally passionate about football. Whenever football games are staged, it is always to a capacity crowd.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ affords the host city an opportunity to build a dedicated football stadium -and capitalise on the football mania of its citizens. The stadium will be built on the North End Lake, which will make an idyllic setting for match days. The features will include a three-tier design with two rings of skyboxes.

Individual Match Tickets prices

Prices in US Dollars (US $)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Wheelchair
Group
Korea Republic - Greece
160
120
80
20
Group
Côte d'Ivoire - Portuga
160
120
80
20
Group
Germany - Serbia
160
120
80
20
Group
Honduras - Chile
160
120
80
20
Group
Slovenia - England
160
120
80
20
Round of 16
1A vs 2B
200
150
100
50
Quarter-final
W53 vs W54
300
200
150
75
3rd/4th Place Match
L61 vs L62
300
200
150
75
Prices in South African Rand (ZAR)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Cat. 4
Wheelchair
Group
Korea Republic - Greece
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Côte d'Ivoire - Portugal
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Germany - Serbia
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Chile - Switzerland
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Slovenia - England
1,120
840
560
140
140
Round of 16
1A vs 2B
1,400
1,050
700
350
350
Quarter-final
W53 vs W54
2,100
1,400
1,050
525
525
3rd/4th Place Match
L61 vs L62
2,100
1,400
1,050
525
525

Free State Stadium - Mangaung / Bloemfontein


Mangaung/Bloemfontein will be hosting teams at the Free State Stadium, which currently seats approximately 38,000 people. The stadium derives its name from the province in which it is located.
The stadium played host to group and quarter-final matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and the IRB Rugby World Cup in 1995. It is also the alternate home ground of Premier Soccer League team, Bloemfontein Celtics.
The stadium will be undergoing a costly upgrade and once completed, will have a gross seating capacity of 48,000. The stadium will be used as a venue for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
A second tier is being added to the western pavilion, which will increase the stadium's gross capacity from approximately 38,000 to 45,000.

Individual Match Tickets prices

Prices in US Dollars (US $)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Wheelchair
Group
Japan - Cameroon
160
120
80
20
Group
Greece - Nigeria
160
120
80
20
Group
SVR - Paraguay
160
120
80
20
Group
France - South Africa
160
120
80
20
Group
Switzerland - Honduras
160
120
80
20
Round of 16
1D vs 2C
200
150
100
50
Prices in South African Rand (ZAR)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Cat. 4
Wheelchair
Group
Japan - Cameroon
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Greece - Nigeria
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
SVR - Paraguay
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
France - South Africa
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Switzerland - Honduras
1,120
840
560
140
140
Round of 16
1D vs 2C
1,400
1,050
700
350
350

Ellis Park Stadium - Johannesburg


Ellis Park was first built in 1928 as a rugby union stadium. It was demolished and rebuilt in 1982, again exclusively for rugby. It was named after JD Ellis, a Johannesburg city councillor who approved the use of the land for a stadium, setting aside 13 acres.
The stadium was used for the finals of the 1995 IRB Rugby World Cup. Ellis Park has also been the stage for many unforgettable football matches. Bafana Bafana held Argentina to a 1-1 draw in 1995, and then drew 0-0 with then FIFA World Cup holders France in 2000 in international friendlies.
Currently, it is the home ground of Orlando Pirates FC, a club in the Premier Soccer League. In 1995, they were the first South African team to win the CAF African Club Championship.
The Nelson Mandela African XI played the World All Stars XI in a farewell match for the outgoing president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Kalusha Bwalya, Mark Fish, Lucas Radebe and Tijani Babangida joined 'World All Stars' such as Rigoberto Song, Dunga, Luis Hernandez and Claudio Suarez in saluting a great state leader.
Ellis Park is to undergo a minor upgrade and will be ready in time for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Individual Match Tickets prices

Prices in US Dollars (US $)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Wheelchair
Group
Argentina v Nigeria
160
120
80
20
Group
Brazil v Korea DPR
160
120
80
20
Group
Slovenia - USA
160
120
80
20
Group
Spain - Honduras
160
120
80
20
Group
Slovakia - Italy
160
120
80
20
Round of 16
1G vs 2H
200
150
100
50
Quarter-final
W55 vs W56
300
200
150
75
Prices in South African Rand (ZAR)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Cat. 4
Wheelchair
Group
Argentina v Nigeria
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Brazil v Korea DPR
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Slovenia - USA
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Spain - Honduras
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Slovakia - Italy
1,120
840
560
140
140
Round of 16
1G vs 2H
1,400
1,050
700
350
350
Quarter-final
W55 vs W56
2,100
1,400
1,050
525
525

Royal Bafokeng Stadium - Rustenburg


The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace is one of the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The stadium is named after the Bafokeng people who live in the area.
In 1999, the Bafokeng won a legal battle, which entitled them to 20% on the platinum which is mined on their historical land. Hence, they have shares in platinum mining in the area. Upon completion, the stadium will seat 42,000.
The South African national team played a FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Bakino Faso in 2001, and won 2-1. It has been host to many Premier Soccer League games despite Rustenburg not having its own team.
The stadium is only a 25 minute drive to Sun City and 30 minutes to the Pilansberg. It is 12 kilometers from the Rustenburg city centre.

Individual Match Tickets prices

Prices in US Dollars (US $)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Wheelchair
Group
England - USA
160
120
80
20
Group
New Zealand- Slovakia
160
120
80
20
Group
Ghana - Australia
160
120
80
20
Group
Mexico - Uruguay
160
120
80
20
Group
Denmark - Japan
160
120
80
20
Round of 16
1C vs 2D
200
150
100
50
Prices in South African Rand (ZAR)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Cat. 4
Wheelchair
Group
England - USA
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
New Zealand- Slovakia
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Ghana - Australia
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Mexico - Uruguay
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Denmark - Japan
1,120
840
560
140
140
Round of 16
1C vs 2D
1,400
1,050
700
350
350

Mbombela Stadium - Nelspruit



Mbombela Stadium will be a new stadium constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. It will become a much welcomed addition to the football life in Nelspruit, and will leave a legacy of the beautiful game for the people of Mpumalanga. Currently, there is not a football stadium of international standards in the Mpumalanga Province.
Mbombela takes its name from the name local municipality, which incorporates the city of Nelspruit. Mbombela is siSwati and literally means 'many people together in a small space'.
The stadium will have a rounded rectangular shape which will ensure that all seats have a good view of the action on the field.
The stadium will be approximately seven kilometers from the city centre and 12 kilometers from the nearby Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport. It is also in close proximity to game parks, giving spectators the opportunity of seeing wildlife during rest days.
Upon completion, the newly built Mbombela stadium will have a gross seating capacity of 46,000. It is due for completion by October 2009.


Individual Match Tickets prices

Prices in US Dollars (US $)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Wheelchair
Group
Italy - Paraguay
160
120
80
20
Group
Italy - Paraguay
160
120
80
20
Group
Australia - Serbia
160
120
80
20
Group
Korea DPR - Côte d'Ivoire
160
120
80
20
Prices in South African Rand (ZAR)

Matches
Teams
Cat. 1
Cat. 2
Cat. 3
Cat. 4
Wheelchair
Group
Italy - Paraguay
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Italy - Paraguay
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Australia - Serbia
1,120
840
560
140
140
Group
Korea DPR - Côte d'Ivoire
1,120
840
560
140
140