Johannesburg is one of the major cities of not only South Africa but the whole African continent. It is the largest South African city by area, home to Africa’s largest stock exchange and the continent’s busiest airport and probably one of the African cities with highest economic activities. Owing to this affluence, Johannesburg is ranked amongst some of the world’s best cosmopolitan cities and hence the most distinguished tourist destinations. For FIFA World Cup 2010, nine South African cities have been selected for hosting the 64 matches and Johannesburg has been selected to host the opening and closing matches. It is the city’s allure that led to its selection for the most prestigious matches of the grand event. Flights to Johannesburg have started to service with intensity and frequency like never before.
Ellis Park Stadium will be the host to many of the FIFA World Cup 2010 matches. The stadium was first built in 1928 as a rugby union stadium and named after the then city councilor, JD Ellis. It was JD Ellis who granted the permission for the construction of this stadium on an area of 13 acres. In 1982, the stadium was bulldozed and fashioned again; this time, solely for rugby. It is the same venue where the South African Rugby team won over New Zealand and got the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The stadium was brought to limelight when Nelson Mandela was aired all around the world holding the cup in the air! Hence the stadium boasts unforgettable memories in the hearts of Johannesburgers.
Other than rugby, Ellis Park Stadium has been host to a number of matches including the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup between Brazil and the United States. Ellis Park stadium has been highly renovated and upgraded for FIFA World Cup 2010 matches. The 57,000 seats have been increased to 62,000. Team whirlpools have been set up and the stadium has been made handicapped friendly. State-of-the-art media facilities and audio-visual set up has been introduced with a new pitch. Also, world class enclosures for VIP class have been built.
Hence the stadium is all set to host the Argentina-Nigeria, Brazil-Korea, Slovenia-USA, Spain-Honduras and Slovakia-Italy matches along with Round of 16 and Quarter Finals during FIFA World Cup 2010.
Soccer City Stadium is, indeed, a world class address for the most epic football matches. The architecture of the stadium itself is so grand that even those, who do not follow football much, would want to get Johannesburg flights to explore Soccer City Stadium. Inspired by the iconic African pot, Calabash, the stadium looks incomparably beautiful when lit up at night.
Soccer City Stadium is a relatively newer construction in town and has been host to many matches and gatherings. It can accommodate up to 94,700 spectators and has a total of 184 suites. The upgraded design has allowed for new flood lighting and a fully equipped changing room with all modern amenities.
The stadium will proficiently host South Africa-Mexico, Netherlands-Denmark, Argentina-Korea, Brazil-Ivory Coast and Ghana-Germany matches as well as Round of 16, Quarter Finals and the much awaited Final. Tickets for the matches have almost been totally sold out and cheap flights to Johannesburg have been made available, all prepared to take football fans to the exotic city for exciting matches.
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