Coca-Cola Park, previously known as 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 councilor who approved the use of the land for a stadium.  However, in 2008 the stadium was renamed after the Coca-Cola Company obtained the naming rights of the stadium. 

 

Coca-Cola Park is located in the centre of Johannesburg and has played host to numerous epic sporting events, including the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup between Brazil and the United States.  The ground underwent a significant face-lift before the Confederations Cup finals and as a result it can now seat 62 000 spectators, increasing its capacity by almost nine per cent from the previous 57 000.

 

Coca-Cola Park will forever occupy a special place in the hearts of South African sporting fans after the Springbok rugby team shocked New Zealand to lift the 1995 Rugby World Cup trophy soon after being allowed back onto the world sporting stage.  It was a moment that brought the people of South Africa together in celebration as the iconic scenes of Nelson Mandela holding aloft the Web Ellis Cup at Coca-Cola Park were seen the world over.

 

With state-of-the-art media facilities, team whirlpools, top-class VIP areas for dignitaries, accessibility for disabled fans, a new pitch and a top-notch audio-visual setup to keep the fans informed during the game, Coca-Cola Park is truly a world class sporting venue. 

 

Coca-Cola Park is home to top sporting teams based in Gauteng.  The rugby union side, the Golden Lions, as well as the football club Orlando Pirates play their home games here.

 

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Coca-Cola Park will host five first round matches, a second round match and a quarter-final.

 

Games scheduled for Coca-Cola Park:

 

12 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B2
Time: 13:30

15 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G2
Time: 20:30

18 June 2010
Match: Team C4 vs Team C2
Time: 16:00

21 June 2010
Match: Team H1 vs Team H3
Time: 20:30

24 June 2010
Match: Team F4 vs Team F1
Time: 16:00

28 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1G vs Team 2H
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

03 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 6 vs 8
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

 

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

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