In 100 days time the world will descend on South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The opening game takes place at Soccer City on 11 June 2010 while the first game in Port Elizabeth is on 12 June between Korea Republic and Greece. Other first round games in PE will be Côte d’Ivore vs Portugal, Germany vs Serbia, Chile vs Switzerland and Slovenia vs England. All 5 of these games plus a round of 16 game, a quarter final and the 3rd/4th playoff will be played at the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium here in Port Elizabeth.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium next to the North End Lake is a 45,000 seat multi purpose stadium (48,000 during the World Cup) purpose built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The five-tier, 1.1 billion Rand (approximately $150m) stadium is one of three coastal stadiums built in anticipation of the World Cup. This is the first world-class soccer stadium to be built in the Eastern Cape and the first one in the world to be completed in less than two years.
The stadium has already hosted a number of high profile matches with amongst others the British Lions playing in a rugby match against the Southern Kings, South Africa playing a soccer international friendly against Japan and Korea Republic playing a practise match against local club Bay United. After the World Cup the stadium may be used as the home ground for the Eastern Province rugby team, the Southern Kings if they are admitted to the Super 15 rugby tournament, as well as Bay United if they return to the Premier Soccer League.
The stadium is a magnificent sight, specially at night with its lights on and has truly become a new landmark on the Port Elizabeth skyline. For another night pic of the stadium, visit Port Elizabeth Daily Photo..
GPS: 33°56’17.11″S, 25°35’57.85″E
It is very impressive. The in-laws took me past when I was in PE on business last year.
this is going to be the greatest world cup ever!!! because Portugal is gonna win it! jokes
That building is glorious at night! WOW. Ive only seen a game like this on tv and I love seeing the pure glee that goes on in soccer games!! it is sheer madness! I love it!
Here's to an excellent sporting tradition.
WOW! First time I've been pics of PE's stadium and it just as handsome as Cape Town's one. 99 days!!!