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Hallowed sporting ground
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Outside Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Loftus Versfeld is also the home ground of the celebrated Blue Bulls rugby team.
Loftus Versfeld Stadium hosted 6 matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, including the round of 16 match between Paraguay and Japan (Paraguay won 5-3 on penalties).
The stadium's history as a sporting venue dates back over a century. In that time, the venue has undergone a number of upgrades so the most recent renovations, to prepare the grounds as a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ stadium, called for relatively little work to be done on this landmark.
Some R90-million was spent on a new roof over its East Pavilion, new VIP seating, an upgraded lighting system and facilities for emergency power. There are new video boards, scoreboards, turnstiles and comprehensive media facilities. All the seating at this Pretoria sports stadium has also been replaced, increasing spectator capacity to 50 000.
Loftus Versfeld Stadium hosted both the Rugby World Cup in 1995 and the African Cup of Nations in 1996. It was the field on which South Africa first won a soccer match against European opposition, namely Sweden, in 1999.
The seemingly stately city of Pretoria may be the political and diplomatic hub of Gauteng province, but its international community and multi-cultural student population share a common passion for sports and partying!
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Pretoria/Tshwane Tourism Information Centre
Old Nederlandsche Bank Building
Church Square
Pretoria
Tel: +27 (0) 12 358 1430
Fax: +27 (0) 12 358 1485
How to get here
The nearest airport to Pretoria is the O.R. Tambo International Airport, some 50 kilometers away. The city can be reached by road on the N1 or N4 national highways.
Around the area
An up-and-coming tourist area north of Pretoria is Dinokeng, where a new game reserve has been established. In this neck of the woods you’ll also find the charming mining village of Cullinan, where old miners’ houses now act as souvenir shops and restaurants.
Tours to do
You must take a tour of the new heritage attraction that is Freedom Park, on a hill overlooking the city at Salvokop. A moving and inspiring monument to the indomitable human spirit, Freedom Park pays tribute to all those who have fought for freedom.
Where to stay
Pretoria has accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets, from cosy B&Bs to luxurious 5-star hotels.
What to eat
As far as street food goes, Pretoria makes arguably the best boerewors rolls (grilled spicy sausage on a roll with a variety of condiments) in the country.