The whole world can’t wait for the 2010 Soccer World Cup to begin. After much deliberation, bidding and voting, South Africa came out as the location for the 2010 World Cup. A lot is in stall on the soccer wall calendar 2010 with the first teams to compete being the host city-South Africa and Mexico.Many theorize that it will be likely for the final world cup winners football game to have an African nation involved yet this is yet to be seen. For the many who might not be able to eyewitness the tournament, you might be interested to knowing what kind of stadiums the football stars will be doing their soccer tricks. Actually South Africa took the opportunity to host the Cup very seriously and for the past four years have been busy constructing the fantastic stadiums. The following are a few for all ‘soccerholics’:
*Moses Mabhida Stadium- constructed on the site of the former Kings Park Soccer Stadium, this teflon-coated, glass-fibre roofed stadium was officially opened on November 2009.
o Capacity: 70,000 o Location: Durban o Design: constructed to resemble the South African Flag.Has an arche with a highest point being 347 ft signifies the unity that now exists from a once devided country. The roof produces a translucent glow when lit.
* Green Point Stadium- will hold the first six round matches, one second-round, one quarter and one semifinal match.The original stadium was demolished and reconstruced in 2007.
o Capacity:70,000 o Location: Cape Town o Design: located between the ocean and has the beautiful mountains as a backdrop. Also equiped with sound proof material. Roofing is a unique retractable glass roofing of about 4,500 tons.
* Mbombela Stadium- a Siwala world meaning “many people together in a small space.” o Capacity: 40,000 o Location:Nelspruit o Design: has giraffe looking roof designs and seats that resemble the stripes of a giraffe. * Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium-not to be confused with the former president Mandela but the Nelson mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.Will be hosting five first round matches, one second round, one quarter final and the third place playoff.
o Capacity: 50 000 o Location:Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth o Design: resembles a ‘sunflower’ with the roof made up a series of white petals.Is overlooking the North End Lake making it a one in a million stadium.
* Soccer City Stadium- scheduled to hold all the main events both the opening and final match.The largest stadium in Africa.
o Capacity:94,500 o Location: Johannesburg o Design: resembles and African pot or “calabash” and has spectacular lighting in the night.
This years Cup is one to go in the books with all these great stadiums. Wouldn’t you want to just book the next flight to Africa to witness this event?