Soccer City
Soccer City is a sports stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was first built in 1987. At that time, it was named the FNB Stadium.
| Former names | FNB Stadium |
|---|---|
| Location | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Coordinates | 26°14′5″S 27°58′56″E |
| Capacity | 88,460 |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1987 |
| Renovated | 2009 |
Renovation
In 2009, the stadium was improved. More seats were added. New locker (dressing) rooms and new floodlights were built.
FIFA World Cup
The stadium co-hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is one of the 10 stadiums where World Cup matches were played.
2010 World Cup Matches
All times are given in South African Standard time (UTC+2).
| Date | Time | Group | Team #1 | Team #2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, 11 June | 16:00 | Group A | South Africa | Mexico |
| Monday, 14 June | 13:30 | Group E | Netherlands | Denmark |
| Thursday, 17 June | 13:30 | Group B | Argentina | Korea Republic |
| Sunday, 20 June | 20:30 | Group G | Brazil | Côte d'Ivoire |
| Wednesday, 23 June | 20:30 | Group D | Ghana | Germany |
| Sunday, 27 June | 20:30 | Round of 16 | 1B | 2A |
| Friday, 2 July | 20:30 | Quarter-finals | W49 | W50 |
| Sunday, 11 July | 20:30 | Final | W61 | W62 |
Nelson Mandela
On June 29, the South African government announced that a memorial service for Nelson Mandela would be held 10 to 14 days after his death at Soccer City.[1] Mandela died on December 5, 2013 and a memorial service was held at Soccer City.
Post World Cup Use
FNB Stadium is mostly used for concerts and local 5-a-side tournaments. When South Africa's most popular soccer team, the [Kaizer Chiefs] play in the stadium, they attract approximately 15,000 fans, during rival soccer matches and derbies they attract approximately more than 75 000 fans[2] when they play there among the rotating venues that they use.
References
- Nelson Mandela Death Fears: Government Reveals Plan for Memorial Service at Soccer City at International Business Times.com
- Sam Tighe (Feb 17, 2014). "The Tangible Legacy of FIFA and the 2014 World Cup: A Network to Nowhere". thebleacherreport.com. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
Other websites
- Official Soccer City Site Archived 2009-02-26 at the Wayback Machine
- Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)Archived 2013-05-11 at the Wayback Machine