November 4, 2003
By Tshepiso Mogotsi
WITH some of the finest facilities on the African continent, the city of Johannesburg is more than ready and able to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The city is a key factor in South Africa's bid to hold the 2010 Soccer World Cup, with the bid company eyeing it as the host of the opening and closing games as well as the location for one of the semi-finals.
And Johannesburg is ready. Everything that is needed to stage the vast event is in place: state-of-the-art soccer facilities at FNB Stadium and Ellis Park; some 18 000 hotel rooms ranging from exclusive boutique hotels to bed and breakfasts; global links with first rate satellite communication via Telkom; a road infrastructure that makes transport to and from venues a breeze; and easy access to Johannesburg International Airport.
But it is Joburg's FNB Stadium and Ellis Park Stadium that are under the spotlight.
FNB Stadium, more popularly called Soccer City, is the largest of Johannesburg's stadiums. The home of the South African Football Association, Soccer City has been put forward as the venue to hold both the opening match and the final of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Built in 1987, Soccer City will have a capacity of 94 700 by the time 2010 rolls around. There are plans to upgrade seating at the stadium to accommodate 500 VIPs, according to FNB general manager Dennis Mumble. Capacity will also be increased for the influx of foreign news crews. The venue will be able to cater for 3 650 members of the media. "Ninety-nine more luxury suites will be added and the media and hospitality facilities at the stadium will be improved," Mumble said.
FNB Stadium, to the south-west of the city centre, is built in the typical two-tiered style. An encircling roof will be added to the stadium in time for the 2010 event, the general manager added.
Other changes planned for Soccer City are the building of a new changing room complex and the installation of new floodlights. The upgrade will be completed by April 2007, according to the bid company.
The other major stadium is Ellis Park, home of premier soccer team Kaizer Chiefs. Ellis Park is one of the suggested venues for a semi-final game in the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
As with Soccer City, there are plans to expand the capacity of Ellis Park. New tiers will be built behind the goals at the north and south ends of the ground.
According to the bid company, the stadium will be able to hold 60 000 spectators, up from the current capacity of just less than 50 000. Here too, seating will be erected for VIPs and members of the media. The upgrade is expected to be completed by April 2005.
Johannesburg has had vast experience in hosting international sporting events: the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup at Ellis Park, the final of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations at Soccer City, the All Africa Games in 1999 and the 2003 Cricket World Cup final at the Wanderers Stadium.
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