 The
newly-built Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban will host one of the semi-finals
of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The ground epitomises the architectural
innovation on display in South Africa and takes its design inspiration from
the South African flag, with its grand arch representing the unity of this
sport-loving nation. The two legs of the arch on the southern side of the
stadium come together to form a single footing on the northern side, symbolising
the new unity of a once-divided country.
The 62,760-seater has been specifically designed as a multi-purpose venue
and an amphitheatre complete with a cable car which ascends to a viewing
platform at the top of the expansive 350m arch, a staggering 106m above
the pitch. From this vantage point, visitors can experience spectacular
panoramic views of the nearby shoreline and the city. The roof is attached
to the arch by 95mm-diameter steel cables. Each seat of the stadium is
spacious and comfortable, providing a clear line of sight to the pitch.
It is a world-class and multifunctional arena located in the heart of
the Kings Park Sporting Precinct. Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium will
be the jewel in the crown of the Kings Park Sporting precinct. The entire
area will feature additional sporting arenas and facilities as well as
restaurants, shops, play areas for children and a pedestrian walkway linking
the stadium complex to the beach.
The stadium was built on the site of the old Kings Park Stadium. Moses
Mabhida, the ground's namesake, was born in Thornville near Pietermaritzburg
on 14 October 1923 into a poor family who were later forced off their
land. In 1963, Mabhida was asked by Oliver Tambo while working in Prague
rallying support from the World Federation of Trade Unions, to come back
to Africa to develop the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He
underwent military training and became the chief political instructor
of new military recruits. He later served as the commander of MK.
Name: Durban Stadium
City: Durban
Construction: new
Completion: 2009
Gross Capacity: 62,760
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Newsletter:
25 May 2012 2012 to 1 June 2012 - Dullstroom, Mpumalanga, South Africa
