Cape Town Stadium

Description

The Cape Town Stadium is located in Green Point, between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Cape Town city centre and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront - a popular tourist and shopping venue. The stadium was recently built and used for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. During the planning stages, it was known as the Green Point Stadium, which was the name of the previous stadium that was demolished on the site. During October 2009, the city asked for the public to propose names for the new stadium and the name Cape Town Stadium was chosen.

Construction of the Cape Town Stadium began in March 2007 and it was officially handed over to the City of Cape Town on schedule, on 14 December 2009. Cape Town stadium has a capacity of 64,100, which is a major upgrade from the demolished 18,000 seater Green Point Stadium. The stadium is surrounded by a 60 hectare urban park and has replaced a portion of the Metropolitan Golf Club site, which has now been realigned.

A consortium consisting of South Africa's Sail Group and French-based Stade de France were awarded the service contract to operate the stadium and ensure that it remains a sustainable multi-purpose venue after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Following the World Cup, the stadium capacity was reduced to 55,000, enabling it to cater for all types of sports, including rugby, as well as music concerts, and other major events. The stadium features corporate hospitality suites, medical, training, conferencing, and banqueting facilities.

Ajax Cape Town are currently using the stadium as their home ground. Ajax Cape Town played in the first game that was hosted at the new stadium, a derby soccer match against Santos on 23 January 2010, as part of the official inauguration of the stadium.