Coca Cola Park
The refurbishment of the R81-million Coca Cola Park stadium, in Johannesburg, was completed in 2008 and the main contractor was black economically empowered construction group Rainbow Construction.

Coca Cola Park has been earmarked as a quarter-final venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. New upper tiers have been constructed, adding 10 000 seats to each end of the stadium and bringing the seating capacity to 70 000.

Further, the greater Coca Cola Park precinct will receive a multimillion-rand upgrade over the next five years. The general area around the precinct is also set to benefit from a R2-billion upgrade.

Soccer City
The iconic calabash-shaped Soccer City stadium is set to be the official host venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, and it is also the venue for the World Cup finals.

Construction firm Grinaker-LTA was 
warded the R1,56-billion contract for the Soccer City stadium upgrade. The company was awarded the contract in joint venture with Interbeton, part of the Royal BAM group, from Holland.

The stadium is complete, but paving and landscaping need to be completed before the kick-off on June 11.

Royal Bafokeng stadium, Rustenburg

Designed and built as a soccer and rugby venue, the stadium first opened in 2000. The initial cost of R120-million was 100%-funded by the Royal Bafokeng Administration.

In preparation for 2010, the Royal Bafokeng stadium has increased its capacity from 39 000 seats to 44 389 seats and now boasts 24 suites, new electronic scoreboards, floodlights and a public address system.

The stadium will host the game between England and the US.

The road construction around the Royal Bafokeng stadium is a cause for concern, despite the assurance by North West Premier Maureen Modiselle that the road will be completed in May.

The Moses Mabhida stadium, Durban
The new Moses Mabhida stadium has used the build-up to 2010 as an impetus to look 
beyond the actual event and maintain a focus on 
the legacy with which all Durbanites will be left. All Durban’s 2010 projects have incorporated a legacy element.

The stadium, estimated to cost R3,4-billion, is more than just a sports venue. 
The sky car, adventure walk and retail outlets will ensure the Moses Mabhida stadium’s financial sustainability and attract visitors on nonmatch days. 
The stadium environs will support a wide range of additional sporting and leisure 
activities seven days a week, 365 days a year, giving residents – and visitors – more to see and do.

With a capacity to seat 70 000 fans, the Moses Mabhida stadium will be scaled down to 66 000 seats in legacy mode, but also has the potential to be expanded to 85 000 seats to meet the requirements of large-scale events, such as major athletic meetings.

The Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Funding for the construction of the R1,3-billion Peter Mokaba sports complex, in Polokwane, was secured from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Limpopo Provincial government and the Polokwane municipality.

The stadium was completed last year and will host five matches for the 2010 soccer World Cup.

The tender for the appointment of a facility 
management company for the stadium will be released in three months, says Polokwane mayor Thabo Makunyane.

“We are in consultations with other host cities, who have appointed facility management companies, for the formulation of the terms of reference of the tender,” explained Makunyane.

He pointed out that the appointment of the company would assist the city with its plans to ensure that the stadium does not become a white elephant.

Cape Town Stadium
After a process of public consultation, the R4,4-billion Green Point Stadium has been named Cape Town stadium. The name is inclusive, meaning it is a stadium for all Cape Town’s residents and visitors and it builds on Cape Town’s established international reputation.

Cape Town stadium is multipurpose, 
suitable for soccer, rugby, concerts and 
major events. 
It will have 68 000 seats for the eight FIFA World Cup matches to be played and after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, there will 
be 55 000 permanent seats.

The stadium design meets strict environmental requirements. 
Pitch lighting is concealed in the inner rim of the roof. 
The structure is designed to minimise noise and disturbance in the surrounding areas. 
The design has many ‘green’ features and uses natural light and ventilation, energy and 
water-saving fixtures and fittings.

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
The 1,2-billion Mbombela stadium has been designed to ensure that it is sustainable beyond the tournament as an adaptable, relevant 
multisport, entertainment and exhibition venue.

The stadium has been allocated both first- and second-round matches and has a capacity of just over 40 000 seats.

Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza says that, since the host city in the province was announced, it has relaxed border access to its neighbouring countries, including Swaziland and Mozambique.

The province receives 1,6 million tourists a year and is number six as a tourist destination globally, and number three in the 
domestic market.

Mabuza boasted that the stadium has used 100% local content and has experiences no cost escalations.

Nelson Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth
The iconic multipurpose Nelson Mandela Bay stadium will host eight of the 2010 FIFA World Cup games. Its development has seen the upliftment and urban renewal of the surrounding residential and major routes around the stadium.

With a capacity of 48 000 seats and a roof that symbolises a sunflower opening to bloom, the stadium, estimated to have cost R1,2-billion, will host the game between the Korean Republic and Greece on June 12.

Completion of the construction of all stadium access roads is a challenge, Nelson Mandela metropolitan mayor Nxeba Faku says.

“I am, however, confident that the roads will be completed by the end of April, as some are 90% to 95% complete. 
“We are also waiting for the arrival of 
25 buses from Brazil, which will make our transport system accessible to the multitudes of fans that will grace our shores for the event,” notes Faku.

Vodacom Park Stadium, Bloemfontein
A second tier has been added to the main grandstand of the Vodacom Park stadium, in Bloemfontein, which will increase the seating capacity from 38 000 seats to 46 000 seats. 
It cost a total of R245-million to upgrade.

Mangaung mayor Playfair Morule says that the host city will be buying 50 000 of 
the remaining 700 000 tickets for the 2010 
FIFA World Cup to reward its football 
supporters.

The tickets will be divided between loyal Bloemfontein Celtics supporters, who are well known for passionately cheering the team all the way, schools and other residents of Mangaung.

“As a host city, we are ready to deliver a successful FIFA event come June 2010. For those who witnessed the hosting of the FIFA Confederations Cup, last year, I am sure there is no doubt in their minds that the fans created the most electric atmosphere one can ever find at a stadium, in their own unique way,” Morule told journalists.

He promises that the fans will be on hand to support Japan and Cameroon on June 14, in Bloemfontein, and that the city will continue to use the strength of its football sup-
porters to celebrate humanity and unity.

Nigeria, Greece, Slovakia, Paraguay, Honduras, Switzerland, France and South Africa are all scheduled to play in Bloemfontein.