The FNB stadium, also known as Soccer City, has been chosen as the venue for the celebrated opening ceremony, opening match and final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium was built in 1987 and is impressive in stature; it has the third largest capacity in Africa and has been home to some of the most unforgettable matches in the country’s soccer history.

In light of its selection for the World Cup Final, the FNB stadium is undergoing a R1.5 billion refurbishment to see that it is on par with world-class standards.

The stadium has a classic two tier bowl structure. Through extension of the upper tier, the seating capacity will increase from 78 000 to a total of 94 700. An encircling roof will be a prominent new feature, as will the stadium’s new design.

Keeping with the tradition of the African continent, the stadium’s new design draws inspiration from traditional African pottery, a calabash. A calabash is a hollowed out plant that has traditionally been used in South Africa for beer brewing.

FNB stadium’s revamp will also include an additional 99 executive suites, seating for 500 VIPs, new and improved media and hospitality facilities, better changing rooms, a soccer museum and new floodlights.

In addition to the highly anticipated opening and final matches, the FNB Soccer City stadium will host five first-round matches, one second-round match and one quarter-final. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the multicultural city of Johannesburg, home to South-African soccer.