Mbombela Stadium normal #Soccer_norm_copy0 highlight #Soccer_over_copy0 Mbombela Stadium 0 Surrounded by world-class safari destinations like Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands, Nelspruit - Mpumalanga's World Cup host city - has always had an enviable reputation as a place to go game-spotting. But come October 2009, the city will boast a new game-spotting venue: the Mbombela Stadium, where fans will go wild for football action during 4 opening-round matches in 2010. The R920-million 'giraffe stadium' as it's been nicknamed for its 18 signature roof supports resembling the long-necked browsers, is 60% complete and on track to meet its FIFA deadline. Located 6kms from the town centre, at Matsafeni village, the 45 000 capacity stadium features zebra-stripped seats and incorporates elements of the Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and lion) in the design. The centrepiece of a multi-code sports precinct and event venue with designated areas for press and media, TV studios, corporate hospitality suites, medical facilities, security control rooms, disabled facilities and more, it's everything you'd expect from a state-of-the-art FIFA-approved stadium. And it's easy to reach via revamped national roads or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport 23kms away.

Mbombela Stadium © R&L Architects Mbombela's signature 'giraffe' pillars © R&L Architects

Mpumalanga's name means 'place where the sun rises' in SiSwati and Mbombela Stadium will help to usher in a new dawn of prosperity for the region. Around 80% of the 1 250 construction workers employed at the site come from local communities in Nelspruit and surrounding areas and wherever possible local suppliers and contractors have been used. The 2010 World Cup™ will inspire a new generation of budding football stars, while the stadium and the improved infrastructure, transport and telecoms upgrades surrounding it will create opportunity, sustainable jobs and economic growth. The boost to tourism and the hospitality sector will be felt before and after the event as thousands of new visitors discover the varied attractions and scenic beauty of this lowveld gem.

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