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Africa's largest stadium
FNB Stadium/Soccer City,
The calabash-shaped FNB Stadium/Soccer City in Soweto.
© 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Organising Committee
Did you know?
Soccer City was where Spain won the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ - Europe's first victory
Soccer City hosted the first and last match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, including the opening and closing ceremonies. The stadium is now known as the FNB Stadium/Soccer City, hosting rugby and soccer matches.
In many ways, Soweto's FNB Stadium/Soccer City is the heart of football in South Africa. Not only has it played host to momentous moments in the country's soccer history such as the success of South Africa's National Team, Bafana Bafana, in the 1996 African Cup of Nations final, it has also been the site of significant events in recent political history.
Here the first mass rally following Nelson Mandela's release from prison was held in 1990, and, in 1993, thousands gathered here to mourn the assassination of freedom struggle hero Chris Hani.
A R1.5-billion upgrade ensured that this 2010 FIFA World Cup™ stadium was properly dressed for its important role. The new design resembles a calabash, or African beer pot. The warm, earthy colours of the 94 700-seater stadium show up vividly against the urban Sowetan landscape.
The stadium sports an extended upper tier, an encircling roof and a total of 184 hospitality suites. It has new change room facilities and improved lighting. Parking for 15 000 cars is available, with a further 4 000 underground bays for VIPs.
Sustainable building principles were a key consideration in construction, with use of reclaimed, low-maintenance materials and energy-saving fittings. In the summer, run-off water from the stadium is stored and used for utilitarian and irrigation purposes.
There are plans afoot for a museum tracing the history of football in Soweto to be built adjacent to the stadium in the future.
The famous 'Soweto Derbies', the soocer matches between bitter rival local soccer teams, Kaiser chiefs and Orlando Pirates, are played here.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
FNB Stadium/Soccer City
Tel: +27(0) 11 247 5300
Email: functions@stadiummanagement.co.za
Soweto Tourism
Tel: +27 (0) 11 375 5555
Email: joburgconnect@joburg.org.za
Web: www.soweto.gov.za
How to get here
FNB Stadium/Soccer City is in Soweto, 12km west of Johannesburg central
Around the area
Not far from Soweto, in southern Johannesburg, is the striking Apartheid Museum. You can temper this emotional experience with a visit to Gold Reef City across the road, a theme park built as a replica of early Johannesburg during the gold rush era.
Tours to do
Soweto is South Africa’s heritage capital with a plethora of sites and tours related to the freedom struggle. They include the Vilakazi Street homes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former President Nelson Mandela, the Hector Pieterson Museum, and the Regina Mundi Catholic Church.
Get around
FNB Stadium/Soccer City is easily accessible by road from Johannesburg and Pretoria. A railway station next to the stadium offers additional access.
What will it cost
Cost: R80 per person, children under 6 free, pensioners R70. A family ticket of R160 is valid for 2 adults and 3 children under the age of 16.
What to pack
Though generally fine and mild during the day with plenty of sunshine, winter evenings in Johannesburg are cold so pack accordingly. And always bring plenty of sunscreen, even in winter.
Where to stay
Johannesburg has plenty of accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets, but for a uniquely Sowetan flavour, consider booking a stay at a charming township B&B. The warmth and hospitality of the locals makes for a wonderful experience.
What to eat
Vetkoek, sometimes described as the South African version of Yorkshire pudding, is sold on Soweto streets as a snack. It’s fried and filled with mince meat, cheese or even syrup for a sweet treat.