The newly built Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is the first football dedicated stadium in Port Elizabeth and surrounding areas.  Before the construction of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium, all international football matches scheduled for Port Elizabeth were played at the Eastern Province Rugby Stadium.  The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is situated close to the picturesque North End Lake in the heart of the city.

The unique roof of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was specially designed to withstand the high wind speeds found in Port Elizabeth.  The roof is made up of a series of white “petals”, thus resembling a flower.  This is the reason for the stadium’s nickname, The Sunflower.  The playing surface of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is made of natural grass, while the areas surrounding the pitch consist of artificial turf.  State-of-the-art technology as well as two big screens further enhances the appearance of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium has a capacity of 45,000 with a further 4,000 seats to be installed for the duration of the 2010 Soccer Finals.  A number of private boxes, VIP suites, business suites, a sports clothing shop, a gymnasium, as well as lecture and function rooms will all be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will host five first round matches, a second round match, a quarter final, as well as the third-place playoff match. 

Games scheduled for Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium:

12 June 2010

Match: Korea Republic vs Greece

Time: 16:00

15 June 2010

Match: Ivory Coast vs Portugal

Time: 16:00

18 June 2010

Match: Germany vs Serbia

Time: 13:30

21 June 2010

Match: Chile vs Switzerland

Time: 16:00

23 June 2010

Match: Slovenia vs England

Time: 16:00

26 June 2010

Match: Winner A vs Runner up B

Time: 16:00

02 July 2010

Match: Winner 5 vs Winner 7

Time: 16:00

10 July 2010

Match: Loser 1 vs Loser 2

Time: 20:30

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.

The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace is a multi-purpose sport stadium located in the Rustenburg suburb of Phokeng.  The Royal Bafokeng Stadium was opened in 1999 and completely funded by the Royal Bafokeng community, after whom the stadium was also named.  The Royal Bafokeng Stadium is already well equipped and required only minor renovations to bring it up to the requirements of FIFA.  These included new floodlights, electronic scoreboards, as well as a new public address system.  The capacity of the stadium was also increased from 38 000 to 42 000 with the construction of two additional rows of seating on the second level.  All these upgrades were completed by March 2009.

Bafana Bafana, the South African national soccer team, first played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in 2001 in a 2002 Soccer Finals qualifying game against Burkino Faso; the home team won the match 2-1.  The Royal Bafokeng Stadium also hosted its first rugby union match in September 2006, when South Africa’s Springboks defeated the national team of New Zealand, the All Blacks, 21-20.  However, it is a shame that a magnificent stadium such as the Royal Bafokeng Stadium does not have its own Premier Soccer League team, despite hosting some games from time to time.      

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Royal Bafokeng Stadium will host five first round matches and a second round match.

Games scheduled for Royal Bafokeng Stadium:

12 June 2010

Match: England vs USA

Time: 20:30

15 June 2010

Match: New Zealand vs Slovakia

Time 13:30

19 June 2010

Match: Ghana vs Australia

Time: 13:30

22 June 2010

Match: Mexico vs Uruguay

Time 16:00

24 June 2010

Match: Denmark vs Japan

Time: 20:30

26 June 2010

Match: Winner C vs Runner up D

Time: 20:30

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.

Loftus Versfeld is truly one of South Africa’s top stadiums with a seating capacity of nearly 50 000.  Loftus Versfeld is situated in the country’s capital of Pretoria.  Home ground of the Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns, the Blue Bulls Currie Cup rugby team and the Bulls Super 14 rugby squad, it was also one of the main venues for the 1995 Rugby World Cup.  In addition to being one of South Africa’s premier sporting venues, Loftus Versfeld is also a popular venue for big concerts.

Often simply referred to as Loftus, it has served as a venue for many international soccer matches.  South Africa achieved their first victory over a European opposition at Loftus Versfeld, beating Sweden 1-0 in 1999.

To qualify for selection as a first and second round venue the floodlights, sound system and scoreboard at Loftus Versfeld were upgraded and designated media areas were constructed in the lower level of the west stand.  Very little other upgrades were necessary for the stadium to be ready for the 2010 Soccer Finals.  It was also a venue for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

History of Loftus Versfeld Stadium

The stadium was named after Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, the founder of organized sports in Pretoria.  Through the years the stadium has undergone various name changes as sponsors came and went, though locals have always referred to the stadium as Loftus Versfeld.  The site of the stadium was first used for sports in 1906, and the field was simply called the Eastern Sports Ground.   The first concrete structure was erected there by the City Council in 1923. The original structure could only accommodate 2000 spectators, and did not have proper sports facilities.

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Loftus Versfeld Stadium will host five first round matches and a second round match.

Games scheduled for Loftus Versfeld Stadium:

13 June 2010

Match: Serbia vs Ghana

Time: 16:00

16 June 2010

Match: South Africa vs Uruguay

Time: 20:30

19 June 2010

Match: Cameroon vs Denmark

Time: 20:30

23 June 2010

Match: USA vs Algeria

Time: 16:00

25 June 2010

Match: Chile vs Spain

Time: 20:30

29 June 2010

Match: Winner F vs Runner up E

Time: 16:00

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.

Soccer City, formerly known as the FNB Stadium, is the flagship venue for the 2010 Soccer Finals, as it will be hosting both the opening match and the final.  Originally built in 1987, Soccer City has played host to some of the most memorable moments in South African soccer history, including Bafana Bafana’s 1996 African Cup of Nation’s triumph.   After South Africa was awarded the hosting rights for soccer’s showcase event, Soccer City was completely rebuilt.  Soccer City’s capacity was enlarged from 80,000 to the current 94,000.  Other renovations done on Soccer City include an encircling roof, new changing rooms, as well as new floodlights.  All these changes mean that Soccer City is now officially the largest and most modern stadium on African soil.

Soccer City’s unique calabash-shaped design is one feature that makes it stand out among the rest of the 2010 Soccer Finals Stadia.  The calabash was picked because it is a uniquely African object and a recognizable symbol of the African continent.  In Africa, the calabash is traditionally used for cooking food over a fire.  Socially, it is synonymous with entertaining friends, spending time with family, and sharing stories.

With state-of-the-art media facilities, team whirlpools, top-class VIP areas for dignitaries, accessibility for disabled fans, as well as a top-notch audio-visual setup to keep the fans informed during the game, Soccer City is truly a world class sporting venue.

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Soccer City will host the opening match, four more first-round matches, a second round match, a quarter-final, and the final.

Games scheduled for Soccer City:

11 June 2010
Match: South Africa vs Team A2
Time:  16:00

14 June 2010
Match:  Team E1 vs Team E2
Time: 13:30

17 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B3
Time: 20:30

20 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G3
Time: 20:30

23 June 2010
Match: Team D4 vs Team D1
Time: 20:30

27 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1B vs Team 2A
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

02 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 1 vs Team 3
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

11 July 2010 – Final
Match: Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2
Time: 20:30
Determined by the 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.

The newly-built Green Point Stadium is truly one of the most artistic soccer venues in South Africa, hence its nickname “The African Renaissance Stadium”.  The Green Point Stadium was named after the Cape Town suburb of Green Point, the area which it is located in.  The Green Point Stadium is only a stone’s throw away from both the ocean and the beautiful mountains surrounding the city, thus providing the perfect backdrop for matches.  Green Point Stadium is also only a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. 

The Green Point Stadium has a capacity of approximately 70,000.  It is also interesting to note that the exterior of the Green Point Stadium is covered with noise-reducing cladding.  Green Point Stadium is scheduled for completion during December 2009.  At the conclusion of the 2010 Soccer Finals, the Green Point Stadium is likely to be used by the professional soccer teams located in and around Cape Town, which include Santos and Ajax Cape Town.       

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Green Point Stadium will host five first round matches, a second round match, a quarter-final, and a semi-final. 

Games scheduled for Green Point Stadium:

• Friday 11 June: Group A First Round Match
• Monday 14 June: Group F First Round Match
• Friday 18 June: Group C First Round Match
• Monday 21 June: Group G First Round Match
• Thursday 24 June: Group E First Round Match
• Tuesday 29 June: Round of 16 Match
• Saturday 3 July: Quarter Final
• Tuesday 6 July: Semi-Final

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.

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.

The 2010 Soccer Finals to be held in South Africa will commence on 11 June and conclude on 11 July. Below are the latest updates surrounding the stadium progress of the different stadiums to be used during the tournament.

Soccer City – Johannesburg

• Capacity: 94 700

• Stadium progress: Major stadium upgrades in progress include the addition of a new encircling roof, new floodlights, and an increased capacity from 80 000. 92% of stadium is complete, and it should meet its January 2010 deadline.

Coca-Cola Park – Johannesburg

• Capacity: 60 000

• Stadium progress: Minor stadium upgrades made to fulfill FIFA requirements for all 2010 Soccer Finals stadiums.

Loftus Versfeld Stadium – Pretoria

• Capacity: 50 000

• Stadium progress: Minimal upgrades have been made to meet FIFA standards for the 2010 Soccer Finals stadiums.

Peter Mokaba Stadium – Polokwane

• Capacity: 40 000

• Stadium progress: Originally comprised only one main stand and three grass banks, now being rebuilt and enlarged with 20 additional rows of seating added around the entire stadium.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium – Rustenburg

• Capacity: 42 000

• Stadium progress: Minor renovations have been completed to meet Soccer Finals stadium standards.

Mbombela Stadium – Nelspruit

• Capacity: 40 000

• Stadium progress: Due for completion October 2009.

Moses Mabhida Stadium – Durban

• Capacity: 70 000

• Stadium progress: Still in construction, but the main body of the stadium is complete. The focus of this stadium has now shifted to finishing external work.

Free State Stadium – Bloemfontein

• Capacity: 45 000

• Stadium progress: Costly upgrades in progress, such as addition of second tier to western pavilion. Upgrades are 98% complete.

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – Port Elizabeth

• Capacity: 49 500

• Stadium progress: A newly built high-tech Soccer Finals stadium, opened 7th June 2009.

Green Point Stadium – Cape Town

• Capacity: 70 000

• Stadium progress: Construction of this all-seated, all-weather, multipurpose, modern Soccer Finals stadium is set to be completed 14th December 2009.