Free State Stadium

Description

“VRYSTAAT!” is the roaring cry that you will hear when you visit The Free State Stadium (also known as Vodacom Park for sponsorship reasons) in Bloemfontein. “Vrystaat” is the Afrikaans term for the Free State, one of South Africa’s most patriotic provinces. The stadium is mainly used for rugby union and association football.

Tenants:

• The Central Cheetahs, who represent the Free State and Northern Cape provinces in the international Super Rugby competition. • The Free State Cheetahs, who participate in South Africa's domestic Currie Cup competition. • Bloemfontein Celtic, who play in South Africa's domestic Premier Soccer League.

The stadium was originally built for the 1995 Rugby World Cup and was one of the venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was also a host venue for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 1996 African Cup of Nations.

In advance of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a second tier was added to the main grandstand on the western side of the ground, increasing the net capacity from 36,538 to 40,911. Additionally, new turnstiles were created, the floodlights were upgraded, electronic scoreboards were installed, the sound system was revamped to the required standards, and CCTV and media facilities were improved.