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A burning ring of fire
Cape Town Stadium
The Cape Town Stadium
© Cape Town Routes Unlimited
Did you know?
Cape Town Stadium replaced an older, 18 000-seat facility that was demolished in 2007.
With Table Mountain behind and the Atlantic Ocean in front, Cape Town Stadium is one of the most beautiful football stadiums in the world, winning huge praise from top FIFA officials.
The stadium is now the home ground of Ajax Cape Town and is set to host many international football and rugby events in the near future.
Constructed at a cost of more than R4.5-billion, Cape Town Stadium hosted 8 matches during the World Cup, under the name Green Point Stadium. These including the quarter-final in which Germany thrashed Argenitina 4-0 and the semi-final in which The Netherlands beat Uruguay 3-2.
The 72 cables arranged like the spokes of a bicycle wheel, connecting to a steel compression ring that rests 34.5m above the pitch, adds visual spectacle. A glass roof covers the stands and bathes the stadium in natural light by day. At night, enhanced by pitch lighting, the effect evokes a burning ring of fire around the stadium.
The stadium now has a seating capacity of 55 000, but extra seats can be added for special events.
In addition to football and rugby matches, the stadium now hosts big musical acts like U2, Coldplay and Kings of Leon.
Facilities at the Cape Town stadium include 250 VIP suites, basement parking for 1 200 cars, a medical centre and police station, and 4 television studios. No less than 16 lifts ensure that fans have easy access to all 15 floors of the sports arena.
The Cape Town Stadium project created over 2 000 jobs for construction workers and upskilled some 1 179 artisans, the majority of which were from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
Cape Town can be reached by road, rail and air from all points in South Africa. Cape Town International Airport has undergone substantial upgrades and there is now a bus service from the airport to the city centre.
Around the area
The Green Point Urban Park next to the stadium is a must-visit. The multipurpose 10.5 hectare park is open seven days a week from 7am to 7pm and showcases local biodiversity in a serene setting. The venue includes a play park, adventure park, a learning park for functions or seminars, an art park for exhibitions and craft markets, an events park for concerts, outdoor markets and much more. Entry is free.
Tours to do
From July 1, 2012, a tour of the stadium costs from R45 (per adult) and R17 (per child under 12 or pensioner). Visitors are guided through the hallways of the stadium to the players’ change rooms, the on-site police cells and the VIP hospitality areas. They will also have the opportunity to see the world-class pitch up close. Tours commence daily from Tuesday to Saturday at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
Where to stay
Some of the country’s most luxurious hotels are located in Cape Town, as are a number of the best boutique hotels. If you book early enough, the most 'happening' area to base yourself would be the V&A Waterfront.
What to eat
While in Cape Town do try some traditional Cape Malay specialities such as denningvleis (a rich, spicy meat stew) and crayfish samoosas. The Bo-Kaap district is brimming with family-style Cape Malay restaurants.