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FNB Stadium
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First National Bank Stadium or simply FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City and The Calabash, is an association football (soccer) and Rugby union stadium located in Nasrec, bordering the Soweto area of Johannesburg, South Africa. The site is managed by Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA)[5] and is home of Kaizer Chiefs F.C. in the South African Premier Soccer League as well as the venue for key fixtures for the South Africa national football team.

Key Information

It is located next to the South African Football Association headquarters (SAFA House) where both the FIFA offices and the Local Organising Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are housed.[6] Designed as the main association football stadium for the 2010 World Cup, the FNB Stadium became the largest stadium in Africa with a capacity of 94,736. However, its maximum capacity during the 2010 FIFA World Cup was 84,490 due to reserved seating for the press and VIPs. The stadium is also known by its nickname "The Calabash" due to its resemblance to the African pot[7] or gourd.

It was the site of Nelson Mandela's first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990, and served as the venue for a memorial service to him on 10 December 2013.[8][9] It was also the site of the funeral of anti-apartheid activists Chris Hani (on 19 April 1993) and Oliver Tambo (on 2 May 1993).[8] It was also the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final, which was played by the Netherlands and Spain. The World Cup closing ceremony on the day of the final saw the final public appearance of Mandela.[10]

Naming history

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The stadium has been officially known as FNB Stadium since it was opened on 7 October 1989.[11] This was due to a naming rights deal with First National Bank. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as well as in the month before the tournament, the stadium was referred to as Soccer City. This was done as FIFA does not allow stadiums to be referred to by sponsored names during FIFA-sanctioned tournaments. The stadium's current name is FNB Stadium.

Construction

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Construction work in progress at Soccer City in May 2008

Built in 1987, the stadium underwent a major upgrade for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with a new design inspired by the shape of an African pot, the calabash.[12][13] The South African main contractor GLTA, part of the Aveng Group in a joint venture with the Dutch company BAM who had a 25% stake, constructed the upgrade, which was designed by HOK Sport (now known as Populous) and Boogertman + Partners. The upgrade included: an extended upper tier around the stadium to increase the capacity to 88,958,[14] an additional two executive suites, an encircling roof, new changing room facilities and new floodlights. The number of suites in the stadium was increased to 195. Grinaker-LTA and BAM international won the R1.5 billion[15] tender to upgrade the stadium.[16] The construction was completed on Wednesday, 21 October 2009 and was marked by a huge celebration at the stadium.[14]

Construction work in progress at Soccer City in December 2008




Stadium design

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Exterior of FNB stadium
Inside the FNB stadium

The outside of the stadium is designed to have the appearance of an African pot; the cladding on the outside is a mosaic of fire and earthen colours with a ring of lights running around the bottom of the structure, simulating fire underneath the pot. No spectator is seated more than 100 metres (330 ft) from the field, and there are no restricted views in the stadium.[17]

The stands in the FNB Stadium are articulated by ten black vertical lines; nine are aligned geographically with the nine other stadiums involved in the 2010 World Cup. Because nine is considered to be an unlucky number in South African traditional culture,[citation needed] a tenth line was added. This 10th line is aimed at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, which hosted the previous World Cup final in 2006. This represents the road to the final and it is hoped that after the World Cup, each goal scored at the stadium will be placed in pre-cast concrete panels on a podium so that the full history of the tournament's scores can be seen for years to come.[18]

Before the upgrade

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The newly reconstructed stadium retains part of the original structure's west upper tier, although this and the entire lower tier were rebuilt to improve sightlines. The lower tier was completely reconstructed and divided into two segments which enabled the creation of a new lower concourse (the lower embankment concourse) linked to the existing ground level concourse.

Major tournaments

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1996 African Cup of Nations

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FNB Stadium served as the main venue for the tournament. It hosted the opening game, 5 other group games, a quarter final, a semi final, the 3rd place play-off and the final. The games were:

Date Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Attendance
13 January 1996  South Africa 3–0  Cameroon Group A (opening match) 80,000
15 January 1996  Egypt 2–1  Angola Group A 6,000
18 January 1996  Cameroon 2–1  Egypt 4,000
20 January 1996  South Africa 1–0  Angola 30,000
24 January 1996 0–1  Egypt 20,000
25 January 1996  Zaire 2–0  Liberia Group C 3,000
27 January 1996  South Africa 2–1  Algeria Quarter-finals 80,000
31 January 1996 3–0  Ghana Semi-finals 80,000
3 February 1996  Ghana 0–1  Zambia Third place match 80,000
3 February 1996  South Africa 2–0  Tunisia Final 80,000

2010 FIFA World Cup

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The stadium hosted the opening ceremony followed by the opening match between South Africa and Mexico, 4 other group stage matches, a Round of 16 match, a quarter-final and the final.

Date Time (UTC+02) Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Attendance
11 June 2010 16:00  South Africa 1–1  Mexico Group A (opening match) 84,490
14 June 2010 13:30  Netherlands 2–0  Denmark Group E 83,465
17 June 2010 13:30  Argentina 4–1  South Korea Group B 82,174
20 June 2010 20:30  Brazil 3–1  Ivory Coast Group G 84,455
23 June 2010 20:30  Ghana 0–1  Germany Group D 83,391
27 June 2010 20:30  Argentina 3–1  Mexico Round of 16 84,377
2 July 2010 20:30  Uruguay 1–1 (a.e.t.)
(4–2 pen.)
 Ghana Quarter-finals 84,017
11 July 2010 20.30  Netherlands 0–1 (a.e.t)  Spain Final 84,490

2013 African Cup of Nations

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FNB Stadium served as a venue for the tournament. It hosted the opening game, one group game and the final. The games were:

Date Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Attendance
19 January 2013  South Africa 0–0  Cape Verde Group A (opening match) 50,000
19 January 2013  Angola 0–0  Morocco Group A 25,000
10 February 2013  Nigeria 1–0  Burkina Faso Final 85,000

Football

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International football

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FNB stadium has been used by the South African national football team for both friendlies and qualification matches. It was seen as the de facto national stadium for Bafana Bafana after re-admission in 1992, who played their third ever international match there on 11 July 1992 where they drew 2–2 with Cameroon courtesy of goals from Phil and Bennett Masinga for South Africa in front of 65,000 supporters. The "old" FNB Stadium also housed the then South African Football Association (SAFA) headquarters as well as the offices of the semi-professional National Soccer League (which later traded as the professional Premier Soccer League).

Uruguay vs. Ghana at the FNB Stadium, 2 July 2010

The stadium has also hosted large continental club fixtures. It is largely remembered as the venue where Bafana Bafana lifted the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations when they beat Tunisia 2–0 in front of a full capacity in a match witnessed by then South African president, Nelson Mandela, his then deputy president and former South African State President, FW de Klerk, as well as Zulu monarch, King Zwelithini. The South African national football team also won their first ever trophy here when they lifted the Simba Four Nations Cup in 1995, in a competition featuring Egypt, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The venue for the first leg of the 1995 African Cup of Champions Clubs final, between Orlando Pirates and ASEC Abidjan. The stadium has also hosted the CAF Super Cup twice. It hosted the 1994 CAF Super Cup, between Zamalek and Al-Ahly, as well as the 1996 CAF Super Cup between Orlando Pirates and JS Kabylie. In 2004, the stadium hosted final of the Vodacom Challenge, between AS Vita Club and Kaizer Chiefs.

Some of the most memorable Bafana Bafana matches at the venue include the narrow 3–2 defeat to Brazil in 1996 as well as the country's memorable triumph when they secured passage through to a first ever World Cup appearance for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France when they beat Republic of Congo 1–0 through a Phil Masinga strike in 1997.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, one of the most entertaining matches was played here in the quarterfinal stages when Uruguay beat Ghana in a penalty shootout made more memorable by a blatant handball in the last minute of the extra time by Uruguay striker Luis Suárez, which denied a Ghana and Africa a first ever semifinal appearance at the world football showpiece.

Local football

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The FNB Stadium is home to Kaizer Chiefs Football Club. It is also the preferred venue for the Soweto derby soccer matches – the country's biggest sporting showpiece – involving Soweto based Premier Soccer League clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. It was also the traditional home of the Iwisa Maize Meal Spectacular and later, the Telkom Charity Cup, which were charity soccer season openers in South African football from 1990 to 2006, before it was closed for renovations. The stadium was re-opened when it hosted the 2010 Nedbank Cup final between Bidvest Wits and Amazulu. The game ending 3–0 to Bidvest Wits. Fabricio Rodrigues was the first player to score at the rebuilt Soccer City. The Charity Cup then returned in 2010. The first league match at the stadium since being rebuilt, was a 2010–11 Premier Soccer League match between Orlando Pirates and Free State Stars. The first MTN 8 match at the stadium was the first leg of the 2010 MTN 8 semifinal, between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. The venue has also hosted high-profile Bafana Bafana matches, including their 1–0 win over Spain in 2013 as well as the side's worst ever defeat when they lost, 5–0, to Brazil in another international friendly in 2014.

In May 2018, Mamelodi Sundowns hosted FC Barcelona in an exhibition match, dedicated to the late Former President of South Africa in his centenary. The match ended 3–1 in the favour of Barcelona.

Rugby Union

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FNB stadium is a multi-purpose venue and hosted its first rugby union match in 2010, the Tri Nations match between South Africa and New Zealand, won 29-22 by the All Blacks. The attendance was 94,713 which is listed as the third highest rugby attendance ever in the Southern Hemisphere and a record attendance for the redeveloped stadium, until it was eclipsed on 1 August 2015, when 94,807 was recorded when Orlando Pirates played Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup fixture.

The stadium hosted New Zealand again in the 2012 Rugby Championship on 6 October, with the All Blacks defeating the Springboks 32–16 in front of 88,739. In 2013, the Springboks defeated Argentina 73–13 at FNB Stadium in front of a crowd 52,867. In 2016, the venue hosted Varsity Cup rugby fixtures. In 2025 the Springboks will host the All Blacks in the third test match of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour.

Concerts

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Band/artist Tour Date Attendance
U2 U2 360° Tour 13 February 2011 94,232[19]
Neil Diamond Concert Tour 2011 2 April 2011
Coldplay Mylo Xyloto Tour 8 October 2011[A] 60,095[20][21]
Kings of Leon Come Around Sundown World Tour 29 October 2011 60,000[22]
The Eagles[23] World Tour 2012 8 April 2012 50,000?
Linkin Park Living Things World Tour 10 November 2012 63,000[24]
Lady Gaga Born This Way Ball 30 November 2012 56,900[25]
Red Hot Chili Peppers I'm With You World Tour 2 February 2013 65,000[26]
Metallica 2013 Vacation Tour 27 April 2013 40,000[27]
Bon Jovi Because We Can - The Tour 11 May 2013 65,182[28]
Justin Bieber Believe Tour 12 May 2013 67,000[29]
Rihanna Diamonds World Tour 13 October 2013 67,291
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band High Hopes Tour 1 February 2014 55,385[28]
Foo Fighters Sonic Highways World Tour 13 December 2014 46,585
One Direction On the Road Again Tour 28 & 29 March 2015 131,615
Justin Bieber Purpose World Tour 14 May 2017 70,000
Cassper Nyovest Fill Up FNB 2 December 2017 68,000[30]
Guns N' Roses Not in This Lifetime... Tour 29 November 2018 52,042[31]
Global Citizen Mandela 100 Festival 2 December 2018[B] 100,000[32]
Ed Sheeran ÷ Tour 23 & 24 March 2019 135,000
Imagine Dragons Mercury World Tour 4 February 2023 43,324
Calabash South Africa 3 February 2024 50,000
Chris Brown The 11:11 Tour 14 & 15 December 2024 189,472[33]
Fokofpolisiekar, The Offspring, Green Day Calabash South Africa 19 January 2025 62,000
Travis Scott Circus Maximus Tour 11 October 2025

^ A The Coldplay concert was a rehearsal concert in preparation for their Mylo Xyloto Tour. As part of the concert, they filmed scenes for the music video for their song "Paradise".

Christian gatherings

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Leader Program Date Attendance
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Night of Bliss, Johannesburg, South Africa 11 March 2011 > 100,000[34]
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Higher Life Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa 15-17 March 2013
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Night of Bliss, Johannesburg, South Africa 22 January 2016
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Night of Angel Gabriel, Johannesburg, South Africa 1 January 2018 >165,000

Incidents

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On 29 July 2017, two people were killed and 17 were injured in a stadium crush while trying to enter the stadium before a match between the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.[35]

In July 2023, the stadium was host to the 10th anniversary rally of the Economic Freedom Fighters. The EFF president, Julius Malema, sang the controversial song "Kill the Boer/Kill the farmer". The song sparked controversy in the subsequent days. The Democratic Alliance announced it was appealing to the UN Human Rights Council to declare the song hate speech, in addition to an EFF supporter falling to his death.

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City and the Calabash, is an association football stadium in Nasrec, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. With a seating capacity of 94,736, it is the largest stadium in Africa. Primarily the home ground for Kaizer Chiefs F.C., the venue features a distinctive exterior design inspired by a traditional African calabash pot. Originally constructed in 1989 and substantially rebuilt ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup—at which its capacity more than doubled from 40,000—the stadium hosted the tournament's opening match between South Africa and Mexico, as well as the final between the Netherlands and Spain. It has also accommodated significant non-sporting events, including Nelson Mandela's first public address in Johannesburg following his release from prison and the funeral of Chris Hani. Beyond football, the arena supports rugby union matches and large-scale concerts, underscoring its role as a premier multipurpose venue in South Africa.

Historical Development

Origins and Early Construction

The FNB Stadium in , , was conceived in the mid-1980s as a flagship venue to host national matches and major domestic competitions, addressing the need for a modern, high-capacity facility amid growing soccer popularity in the country. Construction commenced in 1986 or 1987, involving foundational earthworks and the erection of basic concrete structures on a site in the Nasrec exhibition area, strategically positioned between township and central to serve diverse urban audiences. The initial design emphasized functionality over aesthetics, featuring a central grass pitch enclosed by earthen embankment seating for general admission and two tiers of enclosed corporate boxes to accommodate around spectators in total. Engineering focused on cost-effective frames and simple roofing for upper levels, reflecting the era's construction standards without advanced materials or seismic considerations prominent in later builds. This setup positioned the stadium as South Africa's primary soccer arena from inception, despite international sports isolation due to apartheid policies. The venue opened to the public in 1989, secured with sponsorship from First National Bank, which funded aspects of the project and branded it FNB Stadium to signify commercial partnership in sports . Early operations centered on league games and national team fixtures, establishing its role as a hub for South African football before subsequent expansions.

Pre-2010 Upgrades and Capacity Expansion

The FNB Stadium, originally constructed between 1986 and 1989 at Nasrec in , opened with a capacity of approximately spectators, establishing it as South Africa's premier venue for and one of the largest stadiums on the continent. This initial design featured a deep sunken bowl for most seating, supplemented by an upper tier on the west side, enabling it to host national team matches and major domestic fixtures from the outset. Throughout the , the stadium maintained this capacity while accommodating high-profile events, including the final of the 1996 between and , which drew over attendees despite varying reports of effective utilization around 70,000 due to safety configurations. By the early 2000s, structural wear from prolonged use, coupled with evolving safety regulations, necessitated operational restrictions that reduced the stadium's functional capacity to about 40,000. Minor maintenance efforts during this period focused on basic functionality rather than expansion, as the venue operated continuously from 1990 until its closure in 2006 amid growing concerns over decay. These limitations underscored the imperative for significant upgrades to restore and enhance capacity, aligning with preparations for hosting international tournaments, though substantive planning did not commence until 2007.

Naming Rights and Sponsorship Evolution

The stadium secured its initial naming rights sponsorship with First National Bank (FNB) upon opening on 7 October 1989, marking the beginning of a long-term commercial partnership managed by the of . Ahead of the , FIFA's policy against corporate branding during its events required a temporary to Soccer City, overriding the existing FNB agreement despite the bank's status as a sponsor. Following the , disputes emerged between FNB and Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), the venue operator, over post-event naming control; the Johannesburg High Court ruled on 11 August 2010 in FNB's favor, affirming its exclusive rights and mandating reversion to FNB Stadium. In March 2017, FNB and SMSA finalized a renewed five-year deal effective from 2017 to 2022, with FNB committing to an annual fair-market payment of R14 million—resolving prior ambiguities from pre-World Cup arrangements and positioning FNB as South Africa's longest continuous naming sponsor. No public changes to the sponsorship have been announced since the 2022 expiration, and the venue retains the FNB designation in official and media usage as of 2025.

2010 World Cup Renovations

The renovations of FNB Stadium, known as Soccer City during the project, commenced in 2006 to meet FIFA's standards for hosting the , including the opening match and final. The work involved partial demolition and reconstruction around the existing 1980s structure, led by architects Populous and Boogertman + Partners, with engineering contributions from firms like sbp for the roof and facade. Capacity expanded from approximately 40,000 to 94,736 all-seated spectators through the addition of extended upper tiers, divided lower tiers for new concourses, and improved sightlines bringing seats closer to the pitch. A full roof enclosure was installed, cantilevered up to 36 meters from a 300-meter-diameter ring truss with a PTFE membrane to cover all seats, enhance acoustics, and provide weather protection. The exterior facade adopted a calabash-inspired design symbolizing African heritage, clad in over 32,000 fire-resistant glass-fiber reinforced concrete panels in earthy tones. Additional upgrades included modern changing rooms, media facilities, VIP areas, and a basement podium for parking and offices. The project cost approximately 3.3 billion South African (equivalent to about $440 million at the time), exceeding initial estimates by around 1 billion due to escalating material and labor prices amid a weakening . Construction concluded on October 21, 2009, enabling test events prior to the World Cup's start on June 11, 2010. These enhancements positioned the stadium as Africa's largest and a centerpiece for the tournament, though post-event analyses noted the high expense relative to long-term utilization.

Post-2010 Maintenance and 2025 Pitch Replacement

Following the , FNB Stadium's operations and fell under Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), which assumed a 10-year in 2009 entailing full financial risk for upkeep without municipal subsidies from the City of Johannesburg. Monthly expenses stood at R2.5 million in , supporting the venue's as a high-usage facility hosting concerts and sports events that drew 1.3 million attendees in its first post-World Cup year and generated roughly R100 million in annual turnover. By 2025, the stadium's hybrid pitch—originally installed ahead of the with an expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years depending on usage—had deteriorated into a poor playing surface unfit for another full season, prompting early replacement despite an initial plan to defer it until the end of the 2026 campaign. SMSA consulted international experts who confirmed the pitch exceeded its viable duration and recommended immediate action to ensure safety and quality compliant with standards. Replacement work commenced on May 28, 2025, involving turf removal, subsoil renovations, and reinstallation of a GrassMaster hybrid system; the project concluded in 10 weeks—faster than the standard four months—at a combined cost of 17 million rand for FNB and Orlando Stadium pitches (approximately $935,000). The new surface became playable soon after completion, with full growth and optimal condition achieved by early September 2025, projected to endure 10 to 12 years under routine care. SMSA CEO Bertie Grobbelaar emphasized the necessity of off-season timing to minimize disruptions, noting halfway progress on stitching by early August allowed hosting of matches like those for Kaizer Chiefs starting August 13.

Design and Facilities

Architectural Features and Symbolism

The FNB Stadium, commonly referred to as Soccer City, features a distinctive exterior design inspired by the traditional , a gourd-shaped pot symbolizing rural African life, community gatherings, and cultural unity across the continent. This form was selected by architects Boogertman Urban Edge + Partners, in collaboration with Populous, to root the structure in South African and broader African heritage, evoking imagery of people coming together in a " of cultures" and sharing hospitality. The calabash motif extends to the stadium's curvilinear silhouette, which rises from the Nasrec site amid surrounding mine dumps, blending modern with symbolic representation of African identity. Architecturally, the stadium's façade comprises approximately 178,000 square meters of fire-resistant panels arranged in a mosaic pattern of terracotta hues, mimicking the textured, organic appearance of a calabash and enhancing visual impact, particularly when illuminated at night. The exterior cladding, composed of precast concrete elements in earthy tones, projects harmony and vibrancy, aligning with the venue's role as a national landmark for events like the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening match. Internally, the design supports a seamless spectator experience with tiered seating encircling the pitch, while the overhanging roof structure maintains the calabash's rounded profile without compromising structural integrity, as engineered for wind loads and seismic considerations typical of the Johannesburg region. This integration of symbolism and functionality underscores the stadium's purpose as a vessel for collective sporting and cultural expression.

Capacity, Seating, and Infrastructure

The FNB Stadium possesses a of 94,736, establishing it as Africa's largest football venue following extensive renovations completed in 2009. This figure reflects an all-seater configuration designed to optimize sightlines across the pitch, with the majority of seats upholstered in orange polycarbonate, accented by limited white rows primarily for and demarcation purposes. Seating is arranged in a multi-tiered, bowl-shaped structure encompassing four primary stands: north, south, east, and west, with the west stand featuring an extended upper tier for enhanced vertical distribution. Category A premium seating occupies the southwest, south, and southeast sectors, offering proximity to the pitch and integrated amenities, while Category B sections provide standard access suitable for general football spectators. The remodeling process, which doubled the prior 40,000 capacity, involved reshaping embankment tiers into steeper inclines and adding cantilevered upper levels to minimize obstructed views, ensuring compliance with standards for international matches. Infrastructure supports high-volume operations through a robust framework including a 68,000 roof and facade system providing partial weather coverage, a 320-meter footprint, and 36-meter cantilevers over the seating bowls for structural stability. Internal facilities encompass dedicated , administrative offices, and two-tiered corporate hospitality zones integrated into the stands, facilitating events for up to 94,000 attendees with efficient circulation via multiple access points and emergency egress routes. The venue's sunken field , surrounded by elevated seating, enhances acoustics and visibility while incorporating modern drainage and systems calibrated for broadcast and night fixtures.

Pitch and Technical Specifications

The playing pitch at FNB Stadium measures 105 meters in length by 68 meters in width, conforming to FIFA standards for international association football matches. The surface consists of a hybrid grass system, integrating natural turf with synthetic fibers to improve resilience under heavy usage. In August 2025, Stadium Management South Africa undertook a full pitch reconstruction, replacing the prior hybrid installation—which experts deemed beyond its operational lifespan after over 12 years of service—with a new GrassMax hybrid system at a cost of R16 million. The project, completed from bare soil in approximately four months, incorporated precision earthworks and advanced drainage infrastructure to mitigate waterlogging and support year-round usability. This upgrade ensures compliance with FIFA and CAF technical requirements for safety and performance, enabling the venue to host high-profile fixtures. Floodlighting at the stadium provides illumination suitable for broadcasted international matches, meeting minimum guidelines of at least 1,400 lux average horizontal . The system supports evening events without compromising visibility or player safety, as verified through the venue's certification for Category 4 status post-2010 renovations.

Major Sporting Events

2010 FIFA World Cup Hosting

FNB Stadium, temporarily branded as Soccer City for the tournament, hosted the and eight es of the , the first to be staged on African soil, including the opening , five group-stage fixtures, one round-of-16 encounter, one semifinal, and the final. The venue's expanded capacity reached 94,736, drawing average attendances exceeding 83,000 per , contributing to the tournament's total of over 3.1 million spectators across all venues. The opening ceremony occurred on 11 June 2010, featuring cultural performances and dignitaries, preceding the inaugural match between host nation and , which ended in a 1–1 draw attended by 84,490 spectators. 's scored the tournament's first goal in the 11th minute, equalized late by 's .
DateStageMatchScoreAttendance
11 JuneGroup ASouth Africa vs 1–184,490
14 JuneGroup E vs 2–083,465
17 JuneGroup B vs 4–182,174
20 JuneGroup G vs 3–184,455
23 JuneGroup D vs 0–183,391
27 JuneRound of 16 vs 3–184,377
2 JulySemifinal vs 1–1 (4–2 pens)84,017
11 JulyFinal vs 1–084,490
The final on 11 July 2010 saw defeat the 1–0 via Andrés Iniesta's extra-time goal, securing Spain's first World Cup title before 84,490 fans, underscoring the stadium's role as the tournament's centerpiece. These events highlighted the venue's infrastructure readiness post-renovation, though the tournament faced broader logistical critiques unrelated to the stadium itself.

Africa Cup of Nations Matches

FNB Stadium served as a primary venue for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by South Africa, accommodating several Group A matches and the decisive final. On 13 January 1996, the hosts secured a 3–0 victory over Cameroon in their opening group fixture, with goals from Mark Fish, John Moshoeu, and Phil Masinga, drawing a crowd of around 80,000. The tournament concluded there on 3 February 1996, as South Africa defeated Tunisia 2–0 in the final—scoring through Mark Williams and an own goal—to win their sole AFCON title to date. The stadium returned to prominence for the , again in , hosting the tournament's opening and final exclusively among its fixtures. On 19 January 2013, drew 0–0 with before a full house of 50,000, setting a cautious tone for the hosts' campaign. The final on 10 February 2013 saw triumph 1–0 over , with Sunday Mba's 40th-minute strike securing the Super Eagles' third continental crown in front of 85,000 spectators.

Domestic Football and Club Competitions

FNB Stadium regularly hosts (PSL) matches for Johannesburg-based clubs, particularly Kaizer Chiefs, who utilize the venue for high-demand home fixtures due to its 94,736 capacity, enabling larger crowds than smaller stadiums like . The stadium's infrastructure supports the PSL's Betway Premiership schedule, with Kaizer Chiefs scheduling games there, such as their October 22, 2025, fixture against an opponent at the venue. The between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando is a staple event at FNB Stadium, drawing some of South Africa's largest domestic football attendances owing to the rivalry's intensity and the venue's size. For instance, the February 1, 2025, PSL clash between the teams occurred at FNB Stadium, heightening competition in the 2024/25 season. Similarly, on May 3, 2025, Orlando secured a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in another derby at the stadium, completing a league double for that season. Historical derbies have set attendance benchmarks, including a 0-0 draw on October 21, 2017, with 75,000 spectators. Beyond league play, FNB Stadium accommodates domestic cup competitions under PSL oversight, such as semi-finals, where it has hosted knockout matches involving top clubs to leverage its facilities for significant attendances and broadcast logistics. These events contribute to the stadium's role in elevating club football's profile in , though finals like the 2025 shifted to for logistical reasons.

Rugby and Other Sports Events

FNB Stadium has hosted rugby union matches, serving as an occasional venue for international tests despite its primary association with football. On 17 August 2013, South Africa's Springboks defeated Argentina 73–13 in the opening fixture of the Rugby Championship, with nine tries scored by the home side in front of 52,867 spectators. The victory, which included a penalty try and seven second-half scores, marked a dominant performance that avenged a prior loss to Argentina and ended a historical winless streak for the Springboks at the venue. The stadium is scheduled to host further high-profile rugby in 2026 as part of the inaugural "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" tour between and . On 5 September 2026, it will stage the third Test match of the series, Springboks versus All Blacks, following fixtures at Ellis Park and DHL Stadium. Beyond rugby union, verifiable records of other non-football sports events at FNB Stadium are limited, with the venue's infrastructure—optimized for pitch-based sports—primarily supporting football and select rugby fixtures rather than diverse athletic disciplines like track events or combat sports.

Non-Sporting Events

Concerts and Entertainment Productions

FNB Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile concerts and entertainment productions since its expansion for the , capitalizing on its capacity exceeding 90,000 to accommodate large audiences for international artists. These events have included rock, pop, and hip-hop performances, often setting attendance records for the venue and . The stadium's calabash-inspired design and acoustics have drawn global acts seeking massive crowds in , though logistical challenges like crowd control have occasionally marred experiences. The inaugural major concert following the stadium's upgrade was U2's performance on February 13, 2011, as part of their 360° Tour, which attracted 94,232 attendees and grossed $9.4 million, marking one of the largest single-show turnouts in the venue's history at the time. Subsequent events have featured diverse lineups, including the : Mandela 100 on December 2, 2018, with performers such as and , Usher, , , and , drawing approximately 100,000 spectators to promote global activism. Ed Sheeran's ÷ Tour shows on March 23 and 24, 2019, set a venue record with a combined attendance of 135,000 across the two nights, contributing to his overall South African of 230,000 tickets sold. More recently, Travis Scott's concert on October 11, 2025, achieved over 75,000 attendees, establishing it as South Africa's largest solo rap performance to date. Other notable concerts include Guns N' Roses on November 29, 2018, and Justin Bieber on October 1, 2022, as part of his Purpose Tour. The venue has also hosted multi-artist festivals like Calabash South Africa in 2025, featuring acts such as Green Day, The Offspring, and Fokofpolisiekar.
DateArtist(s)/EventAttendance (approx.)
February 13, 2011U2 (360° Tour)94,232
December 2, 2018Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100100,000
March 23–24, 2019Ed Sheeran (÷ Tour)135,000 (combined)
October 11, 2025Travis Scott75,000+
These productions have boosted the stadium's role beyond sports, though reports of post-event muggings, as during the 2018 Global Citizen event, have highlighted security concerns.

Religious and Political Gatherings

The FNB Stadium has served as a venue for major political gatherings in . On December 10, 2013, it hosted the official memorial service for former President , attended by over 90 and drawing tens of thousands of despite cold rain that left the 95,000-capacity venue two-thirds full. The event featured speeches honoring Mandela's legacy, with U.S. President describing him as a "giant of history." In the political sphere, the stadium has been a site for election-related rallies by major parties. The (ANC) held its Siyanqoba Rally there on May 25, 2024, as the culmination of its campaign ahead of the national elections, with tens of thousands of supporters in attendance waving flags and chanting slogans. The (EFF) also organized its 10th anniversary rally at the venue, gathering supporters for the party's milestone event. Additionally, the ANC convened a "roll call" assembly of ward councillors in September 2025 to assess municipal governance progress under its control. Religiously, the stadium accommodates large-scale inter-faith and denominational events. The annual , hosted by the Motsepe Foundation, took place there on November 30, 2024, with thousands of worshipers participating in proceedings focused on praying for peace and stability worldwide. The Zionist Christian Church (ZCC) has utilized the venue for significant gatherings, including a December 2024 national prayer day event that drew approximately 100,000 members. Similar ZCC assemblies, such as the planned ZCCM Ya Sione event on November 25, 2025, continue this tradition of mass spiritual convocations. These religious uses have occasionally conflicted with sports scheduling, as seen when a national church gathering displaced Kaizer Chiefs' home matches.

Economic and Operational Impact

Construction Costs, Funding, and Profitability


The reconstruction and expansion of FNB Stadium for the incurred costs of ZAR 3.3 billion, equivalent to approximately at contemporaneous exchange rates. Initial estimates for the upgrade were around R2.2 billion, but the final expenditure escalated to nearly R3.7 billion due to project overruns. Subsequent investigations revealed that costs were artificially inflated through among contractors, contributing to higher-than-necessary expenses.
Funding for the stadium's development was predominantly sourced from the South African national government as part of broader investments to host the , with no direct contributions from , which requires host nations to cover stadium construction. Local government entities, such as the City of , provided no ongoing maintenance subsidies post-construction. The project aligned with public expenditure priorities aimed at legacy , though without specified private sector partnerships detailed in available records. Post-completion, FNB Stadium has operated under a self-funding model managed by Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), achieving profitability as the sole such entity among South African stadium operators through diversified revenue streams including event hosting, venue rentals, and commercial partnerships. Monthly operational costs approximate R2.5 million, covered without reliance on national treasury or municipal support. High-profile events, such as concerts generating millions in economic activity, underscore its financial sustainability, though broader World Cup legacy assessments highlight mixed long-term returns relative to initial outlays.

Revenue Streams and Economic Contributions

FNB Stadium generates revenue primarily through agreements, event hosting fees, shares of ticket sales and hospitality packages, concessions, merchandise, and ancillary sponsorships. First National Bank secured the in a settlement, agreeing to an annual fee of R14 million, which supports operational costs under a self-funding model without national treasury subsidies. This deal was extended through at least 2022 as part of a five-year contract with Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), the venue operator. Event rentals form a core stream, with the stadium hosting approximately 31 events annually—nearly double that of other South African venues—encompassing football matches, concerts, and other gatherings that drive diversified commercial income. High-profile football events like the yield substantial gate revenue; a single match in 2020 generated R4 million from VIP and packages and R8 million from general tickets, alongside income from , beverages, pre-match activations, and merchandise sales at the venue. Concerts contribute similarly, with SMSA leveraging capacity expansions for larger audiences to maximize ticket and ancillary earnings. Economically, FNB Stadium bolsters Johannesburg's GDP through tourism multipliers and job creation tied to hosted events. Major concerts, such as Chris Brown's sold-out December 2024 performances, injected an estimated R900 million into Gauteng's economy via spending on accommodations, dining, transport, and local services, while creating over 6,000 temporary positions in event security, catering, technical support, and informal vending. These influxes particularly aid small and medium enterprises, including street vendors and traders, by drawing domestic and international visitors who extend stays beyond the event. Ongoing operations sustain direct employment for stadium staff and indirect roles in maintenance and logistics, contributing to localized growth despite monthly running costs exceeding R2.5 million.

Criticisms of Financial Management and Legacy

The reconstruction of FNB Stadium, completed in 2009 as Soccer City for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, incurred costs of ZAR 3.3 billion (approximately US$440 million), with investigations revealing artificial inflation through contractor collusion that drove up expenses beyond initial estimates of ZAR 2.2 billion. This expenditure formed part of South Africa's broader R20 billion-plus outlay on ten World Cup stadiums, prompting widespread criticism for financial mismanagement, including inadequate feasibility assessments and overbuilding relative to domestic demand, resulting in an oversupply that strained public finances. Critics argue that the government's R6 billion public purse commitment prioritized prestige over sustainable returns, diverting funds from pressing needs like poverty alleviation amid nearby Soweto townships. Post-World Cup, FNB Stadium has fared better than peers like or —hosting matches, concerts, and 31 events annually by some metrics—yet faces legacy critiques for underdelivering on projected economic multipliers, with high maintenance demands and event dependency exposing vulnerabilities to revenue fluctuations. A 2011 poll indicated 70% of perceived the tournament as yielding net economic disadvantages, reflecting skepticism over booms and job creation that failed to materialize long-term. Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 Local Organising Committee, conceded in 2011 that authorities could have enhanced planning for the financial viability of new venues, including Soccer City, amid admissions of "" risks for underused facilities requiring ongoing subsidies. The 2011 FIFA World Cup Legacy Audit highlighted persistent operational deficits across stadiums, underscoring causal links between rushed mega-event infrastructure and post-event fiscal burdens without commensurate private-sector offsets.

Incidents and Controversies

Crowd Control Failures and Fatalities

On July 29, 2017, a occurred outside FNB Stadium prior to a match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, resulting in two fatalities from blunt force trauma and injuries to at least 17 others, including one critically injured individual. The incident took place at the stadium gates as thousands of fans attempted to enter, with reports attributing the crush to overcrowding exacerbated by the circulation of fake tickets, leading to a surge against barriers. Stadium capacity was listed at 94,736, but the pre-match chaos highlighted deficiencies in entry protocols and ticket verification. Investigations into the event were limited, with no formal commission of inquiry established despite calls from opposition groups like the Democratic Alliance, which criticized authorities for failing to hold organizers accountable and for not implementing lessons from prior stadium tragedies elsewhere in . Event sponsors confirmed the death toll but emphasized ongoing medical assessments, while police managed the aftermath without reporting arrests related to lapses at the time. The tragedy underscored broader challenges in South African football venue management, including inadequate forecasting of fan turnout for high-stakes derbies and insufficient barriers or to prevent gate rushes. No additional fatalities directly linked to failures have been recorded at FNB Stadium since , though the incident prompted temporary scrutiny of protocols without evident long-term regulatory changes. Critics, including political figures, have pointed to systemic issues in event oversight, such as reliance on private security firms potentially underprepared for mass gatherings, but official responses focused on condolences rather than structural reforms.

Event-Specific Disputes and Boycotts

In December 2024, Brown's two scheduled concerts at FNB Stadium faced significant opposition from activists and anti-gender-based violence (GBV) campaigners in , where GBV rates remain among the world's highest, with over 40 murders of women and children daily as reported by official statistics. Critics cited Brown's 2009 conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend and subsequent allegations of , arguing that hosting his performances glorified and contradicted national efforts to combat GBV. A launched by activist group One in Nine Campaign garnered over 19,000 signatures by mid-October 2024, demanding that authorities deny Brown a visa or cancel the events, while the echoed calls for cancellation, emphasizing moral inconsistency in allowing the shows amid 's femicide crisis. Despite the backlash, South Africa's Department of Home Affairs approved Brown's , citing no legal grounds for denial under laws that do not bar entry based on criminal history alone unless it involves specific disqualifying offenses. The concerts proceeded on December 14 and 15, 2024, selling out the 94,000-capacity venue and drawing over 180,000 attendees combined, underscoring a divide between activist demands and public demand, as ticket sales reflected strong fan interest undeterred by . Protests occurred outside the on the event dates, with small groups of demonstrators highlighting GBV statistics, but no widespread disruptions materialized, and organizers reported smooth operations. During the , labor disputes involving security stewards contracted for stadium operations, including FNB Stadium, led to strikes and protests that threatened event disruptions. On June 15, 2010, hundreds of stewards in protested low wages—paid approximately 6 rand (about $0.80 USD) per hour—demanding intervention from amid a contract dispute with provider Stallion Security. The action escalated into a nationwide strike affecting multiple venues, with thousands walking off shifts in , where FNB hosted key matches like the round-of-16 clash between the and on June 28; police used and stun grenades to disperse gatherings outside contractor offices near stadiums, but matches at FNB continued without direct interruptions after negotiations partially resolved pay arrears. These events highlighted tensions between private contractors, 's event standards, and local labor conditions, with stewards arguing that World Cup premiums were not fairly distributed. Earlier, in January 2001, the South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, announced a of future home matches at FNB Stadium (then ) in protest over substandard facilities, including inadequate changing rooms and poor pitch maintenance that they claimed hindered performance. The supported the move, opting for alternative venues like Ellis Park until improvements were made, though the boycott was short-lived as renovations followed. This team-led action reflected ongoing operational grievances specific to national team fixtures at the venue.

Safety and Maintenance Challenges

The pitch at FNB Stadium has faced recurrent maintenance deficiencies, exemplified by its failure to meet required safety and quality standards in April 2025, which jeopardized hosting the between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Identified problems included subpar turf conditions falling below television broadcast specifications, inadequate dressing room facilities, and deficient technical areas, prompting inspections by the . Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) responded by initiating urgent renovations, including turf relaying and irrigation upgrades, to restore playability ahead of the May 3, 2025, fixture. These pitch issues reflect broader post-2010 maintenance neglect across South African stadiums, where high operational costs and inconsistent funding have led to deteriorating playing surfaces prone to uneven , waterlogging, and poor drainage, increasing injury risks for athletes. At FNB Stadium specifically, the system—intended for durability—has required repeated interventions due to heavy usage from over 60 annual events, exacerbating and necessitating SMSA's 2024-2025 capital investments exceeding R10 million in turf rehabilitation. Structural maintenance challenges have also emerged, with documented repairs to internal and external surfaces, sealing, and metal reinforcements applied to address and load-induced damage from the stadium's 94,000-capacity and calabash-inspired facade. Such interventions, involving specialized adhesives and coatings, underscore vulnerabilities in the aging built rapidly for the 2010 World Cup, where initial construction prioritized aesthetics over long-term resilience against Johannesburg's climatic extremes, including summer storms and . Safety implications include potential hazards from degraded elements, though no major structural failures have occurred; however, these upkeep demands strain budgets, with critics attributing fiscal shortfalls to government underinvestment post-event, leaving facilities at risk of accelerated decline.

References

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