The 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa left behind a legacy of world-class sporting facilities and infrastructure. Several stadiums throughout the country underwent major upgrading, and some where even newly built. Soccer City and Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, the Royal Bafokeng in Mafikeng and Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein all received major refurbs.
Brand new stadiums were built at Mbombela in Mpumalanga and at the Nelson Mandela Metro in Port Elizabeth. Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, Kings Park Stadium in Durban and Green Point stadium in Cape Town were entirely rebuilt. Kings Park was renamed Moses Mabhida Stadium and Green Point was renamed Cape Town Stadium, both becoming totally new multi-sport facilities.
Ellis Park in Johannesburg
Ellis Park was built in 1927, and gained world renowned status when it hosted the final game of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand.
This was a memorable and nail biting game, with the South African Springboks claiming glory over the All Blacks on their home turf, in the presence of South Africa's most loved statesman, former President Nelson Mandela.
Ellis Park is a world-class sporting venue, fully equipped with excellent facilities and services. It is home to the Golden Lions Rugby Union and the Premier Soccer League's Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows.
It has also hosted some world-class events, including big music concerts and some of the world's best football sides, including Brazil, Manchester United and Arsenal. Major upgrades were done to Ellis Park ahead of the 2010 World Cup, increasing its capacity to host up to 60 000 people.
Soccer City (FNB Stadium) in Johannesburg
Soccer City is South Africa's national football stadium, and was built in 1987. It is home to the South African Football Association and has played host to numerous world class events, such as the 2010 Soccer World cup and the 1996 African Cup of Nations.
Soccer City was the premier host venue for the 2010 World Cup, with the kick off match as well as the final match between Netherlands and Spain played in this exceptional stadium. Soccer City's seats were increased from 80 000 to be able to seat 94 700 people for the World Cup in 2010.
Soccer City is also the main venue for Bafana Bafana, as well as the matches between rival teams Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Cape Town Stadium (Green Point Stadium) in Cape Town
Green Point Stadium got a complete facelift ahead of 2010. It was upgraded to become a multipurpose venue nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. This is definitely one of the more scenic stadiums in South Africa.
Seating were increased to provide for 68 000 spectators.
Moses Mabhida Stadium (Kings Park) in Durban
This world class facility is situated in KwaZulu-Natal and was a semi final venue during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The stadium's seating capacity was increased to occupy 60 000 spectators, boasting a state-of-the-art cable car taking visitors up to the highest point of the stadium's arched roof. It was at this stadium that South Africa and England played a friendly match in May 2003 to celebrate South Africa's bid in the 2010 World Cup.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a brand new futuristic, multipurpose stadium seating 49 500 fans. This stadium is conveniently situated close to the N2 highway, just a few kilometres from the coast and the port of Coega. This stadium hosted first and second round matches in the 2010 World Cup.
Loftus Stadium in Pretoria
Loftus Stadium is one of South Africa's premier stadiums and boasts a seating capacity for 45 000 people. This stadium was one of the main venues for the 2010 Soccer World cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
It is also the home stadium of South African soccer leagues Mamelodi Sundowns, the Blue Bulls Currie Cup rugby team and the Bulls Super 12 rugby squad. Loftus is also a popular venue for big concerts held in Pretoria.
Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit
The Mbombela Stadium is a newly constructed stadium, located just 8 kilometres north of Nelspruit. It is the closest venue to the world famous Kruger National Park. This brand new elevated stadium is able to accommodate 40 000 people and boasts glorious views from all directions.
Free State Stadium / Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein
The Free State Stadium is a 40 000 seater stadium that is on par with international stadiums. It boasts a standard athletics stadium, the Goodyear Park cricket grounds, an astro turf hockey stadium and great tennis facilities. The Free State Stadium was a significant venue for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup held in South Africa.
Other international events it has hosted include some of the matches of the 1996 African Cup of Nations. This stadium had a major refurb ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg
This stadium was built quite recently and is a multipurpose venue built for the 2010 World Cup. A few improvements were made to have a seating capacity of 40 000.
It boasts state of the art electronic scoreboards and floodlights. The Royal Bafokeng Stadium is entirely funded by the Royal Bafokeng community, who boasts the world's richest platinum mines in the North West Province.
Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane
This world-class stadium was completely upgraded for the 2010 World Cup.
A new roof was constructed, as well as 20 additional seating rows, increasing the stadium's capacity to 40 000 people. Other additional extras include an electronic scoreboard, floodlights, a state-of-the-art sound system, fire detection and a world-class protection system.
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