The 2010 FIFA World Cup is awaited by the entire world. After much deliberation, bidding and voting, South Africa came out as the location for the 2010 World Cup. South Africa and Mexico are the first in line on the 2010 soccer calender being the first teams to compete.Many speculate that it would certainly become possible for the final world cup winners football game to have an African country involved yet this is yet to be seen. Many may not have time to follow the whole tournament, so if you’re wondering what sort of world-class stadiums our favorite teams will be doing their soccer tricks. For four years now, South Afica has been building new awesome stadiums just for this tournament. The most stunning are listed below so take a look all you ‘soccerholics’:
*Moses Mabhida Stadium- constructed on the site of the former Kings Park Soccer Stadium, this teflon-coated, glass-fibre roofed stadium was officially opened on November 2009.
Capacity: 70,000 Location: Durban Design: constructed to resemble the South African Flag. Has an arche with a highest point being 347 ft signifies the unity that now exists from a once devided country. The roof produces a translucent glow when lit.
* Green Point Stadium- will hold the first six round matches, one second-round, one quarter and one semifinal match.The original stadium was demolished and reconstruced in 2007.
Capacity:70,000 Location: Cape Town Design:has sound proof material and is situated very near the ocean and has beautiful mountains in the background. Has an amazing retractable glass roof weighing about 4,500 tons.
* Mbombela Stadium- derived from “Mbombela” which is the siSwati word for “many people together in a small space.” Capacity: 40,000 Location:Nelspruit Design: a very ‘wild’ looking stadium which gets inspiration from the many surrounding national parks. * Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium-not to be confused with the former president Mandela but the Nelson mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. Will be hosting five first round matches, one second round, one quarter final and the third place playoff.
Capacity: 50 000 Location:Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth Design: resembles a ‘sunflower’ with the roof made up a series of white petals. Is overlooking the North End Lake making it a one in a million stadium.
* Soccer City Stadium- the main venue for the tournament holding both the opening and final World Cup games.A very historical stadium and also the largest in Africa.
Capacity:94,500 Location: Johannesburg Design: resembles and African pot or “calabash” and has spectacular lighting in the night.
With all these stadiums, this year is surely to be a Cup to remember. Doesn’t it just makes you want to book the next flight straight to the heart of Africa?
Tags: entertainment, football, recreation and sports, soccer