FNB Stadion (Soccer City)

A Symbol of Sharing and Togetherness

Officially known as the “First National Bank Stadium” or simply “FNB Stadium” since it was opened in 1989, the stadium was subsequently referred to as “Soccer City” during the FIFA World Cup 2010, as FIFA did not allow stadiums to be referred to by sponsored names during FIFA-sanctioned tournaments. The stadium is also nicknamed “The Calabash” due to its resemblance to an African pot or gourd and is a symbol of sharing and togetherness.

Newly constructed/refurbished as the main association football stadium for the World Cup, the FNB Stadium became the largest stadium in Africa with a capacity of close to 95 000. The first and final match of the World Cup 2010 was hosted here. Situated on Nasrec Road (M70) approximately 12 km from Johannesburg city centre access to the stadium is either by car, where there is 15 000 parking spaces available, by minibus taxi or by a park-and-ride bus service.

Tours

Tours are offered on:

Monday to Friday, 09h00, 10h30, 12h00, 13h30 and 15h00
Weekends,12h00 and 13h30

History

Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison was held here as well as it being the site of Chris Hani’s funeral. It was also the venue where South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and it also played host to some great “Soweto derbies” between the country’s two most popular rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. 

The revamped stadium hosted its first rugby match in 2010 where a record crowd of 94 713 turned out to watch South Africa take on New Zealand and Springbok captain John Smit to receive his 100th cap.

Geskep: ; Laas opgedateer: