Durban Stadium raises the bar

The newly-built Durban Stadium, which sits on the shores of the Indian Ocean, has received rave reviews from both local and international media - and no wonder.

The stadium, which is now completed and ready for football, is one of ten that will stage the world’s greatest sporting event at the tip of the African continent in June. And the arena, otherwise known as the Moses Mabhida Stadium, is clearly well worthy of this honour.

Undoubtedly, one of its most iconic features stadium is its much-talked about cable car. By this means, visitors can ascend to a viewing platform at the top of the expansive 350m arch, a staggering 106m above the pitch. From this vantage point, it is possible to experience spectacular panoramic views over the ocean and the city.

A bold statement
One onlooker recently observed that the new built Durban Stadium will be the epitome of this year’s FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa: a bold statement. Completed on schedule, the majestic arena has already hosted a number of high-profile matches including a showdown between South Africa's best-supported team, Kaizer Chiefs, and one of their most popular rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns. A capacity crowd packed into the stadium for that particular event.

Julie-May Ellingson, Head of the Strategic Projects Unit and 2010 Programme, said that everyone is pleased with the progress that has been made with the stadium and in the city as a whole. “The city and stadium management team are extremely pleased with the success of the first event," said Ellington. “It was a milestone for the City of Durban as well as for the stadium. Together, we have worked extremely hard to ensure that future events at the stadium grow from strength to strength.”

The arena, built on the site of Durban's old Kings Park Stadium, has already become a landmark structure within the city and an inspirational venue for players, spectators and visitors. The entire area will also 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.

City preparations
Durban, which boasts with beautiful beaches and pleasant weather, has also been speeding up preparations in improving its infrastructure and capacity in preparations for the tournament. The city, which includes attractions such as the uShaka Marine World and Amanzimtoti (loosely translated as "sweet waters" in Zulu), is positioning itself to host thousands of fans, who are expected to flock to South Africa for the tournament in less than six months time.

Source: FIFA.com