2010 FIFA Cup Venues Summary

The long awaited African inauguration of the biggest show on earth, the FIFA 2010 World Cup, will be contested by the international giants of football at ten venues spread across the "Rainbow Nation".

Nine South African cities will open their hearts and minds to an anticipated armada of footie fans, with the economic capital of the country, Egoli "City of Gold", best known as Johannesburg, hosting both the opening and closing battles for world football supremacy at two different venues. The sheer distance between stadia arguably warrants a dedicated travel itinerary to prevent international and local visitors missing even a second of an event that only happens every four years.

Helicopter transfers transporting guests from the national airports or their luxury accommodation directly to the game, or as near as possible to the stadia, is already becoming a popular transport alternative for fans intent on following their chosen teams around!

JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg, the economic and transport hub of South Africa, has been selected to host two of the most important encounters at two distinct venues:

Soccer City

Soccer City, also known as the FNB Stadium, has undergone a remarkable face lift with the extension of the upper tier all around the stadium expected to increase seating to 94 700. Brand new changing rooms, floodlights and a state-of the-art roof to keep spectators dry are but a handful of additions to a design based on the traditional calabash or African pot. The stadium is located 8kms from the CBD and is close to Gold Reef City and the NASREC National Exhibition Centre.

Ellis Park

Ellis Park, also close to the city centre, is in the process of a R2billion upgrade that will include new upper tiers behind each goal. The stadium's seating capacity will be increased to 70 000 in anticipation of a semi-final clash.

DURBAN

Moses Mabhida Stadium

The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is still under construction but is set to host a thrilling semi-final encounter. The design is dominated completely by a 106m high centre arch that will be linked to the ground by a high-tech cable car, affording visitors sweeping views of the KwaZulu Natal coastline. Dedicated buses, and trains to the new Kings Park Railway station, will ferry guests to and from the Stadium precinct.

CAPE TOWN

Green Point Stadium

The flagship stadium is without doubt the newly constructed Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. Situated on the Green Point common between Table Bay and the icon of Africa, Table Mountain, the stadium is expected to host 9 matches, including a quarter- and semi-final. Defined by a sweeping silhouette, the stadium was designed so as not to detract from Table Mountain but rather to enhance it. Once complete, the stadium will house an estimated 68 000 seats.

Other venues

• Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein
• Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit
• Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane
• Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth
• Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria
• Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg