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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
[edit]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
[edit]
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]

Stadium design
[edit]

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
[edit]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
[edit]1996 African Cup of Nations
[edit]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 | 3–0 | Group A (opening match) | 80,000 | ||
| 15 January 1996 | 2–1 | Group A | 6,000 | ||
| 18 January 1996 | 2–1 | 4,000 | |||
| 20 January 1996 | 1–0 | 30,000 | |||
| 24 January 1996 | 0–1 | 20,000 | |||
| 25 January 1996 | 2–0 | Group C | 3,000 | ||
| 27 January 1996 | 2–1 | Quarter-finals | 80,000 | ||
| 31 January 1996 | 3–0 | Semi-finals | 80,000 | ||
| 3 February 1996 | 0–1 | Third place match | 80,000 | ||
| 3 February 1996 | 2–0 | Final | 80,000 |
2010 FIFA World Cup
[edit]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 | 1–1 | Group A (opening match) | 84,490 | ||
| 14 June 2010 | 13:30 | 2–0 | Group E | 83,465 | ||
| 17 June 2010 | 13:30 | 4–1 | Group B | 82,174 | ||
| 20 June 2010 | 20:30 | 3–1 | Group G | 84,455 | ||
| 23 June 2010 | 20:30 | 0–1 | Group D | 83,391 | ||
| 27 June 2010 | 20:30 | 3–1 | Round of 16 | 84,377 | ||
| 2 July 2010 | 20:30 | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (4–2 pen.) |
Quarter-finals | 84,017 | ||
| 11 July 2010 | 20.30 | 0–1 (a.e.t) | Final | 84,490 |
2013 African Cup of Nations
[edit]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 | 0–0 | Group A (opening match) | 50,000 | ||
| 19 January 2013 | 0–0 | Group A | 25,000 | ||
| 10 February 2013 | 1–0 | Final | 85,000 |
Football
[edit]International football
[edit]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).

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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]| 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
[edit]| 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
[edit]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.
Gallery
[edit]-
Spain celebrating their World Cup win
-
Opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
-
Barack Obama at the FNB Stadium in 2013 attending Nelson Mandela's memorial service
-
2010 World Cup Closing Ceremony
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Quick guide to the ten World Cup grounds". Racing Post. Archived from the original on 13 May 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
- ^ "Soccer City – POPULOUS". populous.com. Archived from the original on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
- ^ "2015 Carling Black Label Cup"
- ^ "Carling Black Label Cup Soweto Derby breaks FNB Stadium attendance record"
- ^ Stadium Management South Africa,"FNB Stadium", stadiummanagement.co.za, 26 June 2015. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
- ^ "Soccer City". FIFA. Archived from the original on 17 June 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2008.
- ^ "The African Pot Takes Shape". Archived from the original on 15 July 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
- ^ a b 2010 FIFA World Cup – Soccer City. In: fifa.com. Retrieved 2010-06-10.
- ^ "Minister collins chabane: Nelson mandela state funeral update". Archived from the original on 28 April 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ "Nelson Mandela, South Africa's anti-apartheid icon, dies aged 95". The Telegraph. Retrieved 10 December 2013
- ^ Musiker, Naomi (1999). Historical dictionary of Greater Johannesburg. Internet Archive. Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-8108-3520-7.
- ^ "Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg: World Cup 2010 stadium guide". The Daily Telegraph. 19 November 2009. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
- ^ "News Award". Archived from the original on 4 August 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
- ^ a b "Soccer City is ready for play". 23 October 2009. Archived from the original on 9 March 2010. Retrieved 23 March 2010.
- ^ "Stadia". South African Football Association. Retrieved 30 June 2008.
- ^ "2010 lead stadium work begins". SAinfo. 18 January 2007. Archived from the original on 16 February 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2008.
- ^ "World Cup: One year to go". BBC News. 11 June 2009. Retrieved 18 June 2009.
- ^ "Take a seat at Soccer City". Archived from the original on 19 April 2010. Retrieved 23 March 2010.
- ^ Charalambous, Styli (14 February 2011). "U2 in Johannesburg – the real greatest show on earth". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- ^ "Coldplay makes Jo'burg Paradise". The Mail & Guardian. 9 October 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- ^ "Coldplay: News - The Parlotones interview". 8 May 2012. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
- ^ Charalambous, Styli (31 October 2011). "Kings of Leon: anything but a royal performance". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- ^ "EAGLES TO PERFORM FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SOUTH AFRICA | Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ Wyk, Andrea van. "Thousands attend Linkin Park concert". ewn.co.za. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- ^ "Billboard Boxscore". Billboard. Vol. 124, no. 51. New York City, New York. 5 January 2013. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on 7 January 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Report: Red Hot Chili Peppers Electrify FNB Stadium". Rolling Stone South Africa. 6 December 2018. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- ^ "TimesLIVE". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- ^ a b "Billboard Box Office Score". Billboard.
- ^ "Bieber busts Jozi ticket bank". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- ^ "#FillUpFNBStadium done, Cassper sets sights on Durban – Sunday Tribune". iol.co.za. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
- ^ "SNAPS | Guns N' Roses rock Jozi in first ever South African show". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
- ^ Pitjeng, Refilwe. "How to get tickets to Global Citizen Festival". ewn.co.za. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- ^ Nkonki, Anita (16 December 2024). "Chris Brown electrifies South Africa with unforgettable FNB stadium performances".
- ^ Night of Bliss Johannesburg
- ^ Bonn, Kyle (29 July 2017). "Two killed in South Africa stadium crush". ProSoccerTalk. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
External links
[edit]- Soccer City – Official stadium info Archived 14 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- Soccer City at the 2010 Communication Project
- FIFA 2010 sponsorship at FNB
- Soccer City Stadium: a case study on Constructalia Archived 14 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- Soccer City ESPN Profile
- 360 View
- Soccer City documentary film
- Pictures and Videos from Soccer City
- Stadium Management South Africa
- Photos of Soccer City Stadium at cafe.daum.net/stade
FNB Stadium
View on GrokipediaHistorical Development
Origins and Early Construction
The FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, was conceived in the mid-1980s as a flagship venue to host national association football 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 Soweto township and central Johannesburg to serve diverse urban audiences.[5][6][7] 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 hospitality boxes to accommodate around 80,000 spectators in total. Engineering focused on cost-effective reinforced concrete 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.[8][6][9] The venue opened to the public in 1989, secured with naming rights sponsorship from First National Bank, which funded aspects of the project and branded it FNB Stadium to signify commercial partnership in sports infrastructure. Early operations centered on league games and national team fixtures, establishing its role as a hub for South African football before subsequent expansions.[8][9][7]Pre-2010 Upgrades and Capacity Expansion
The FNB Stadium, originally constructed between 1986 and 1989 at Nasrec in Johannesburg, opened with a capacity of approximately 80,000 spectators, establishing it as South Africa's premier venue for association football and one of the largest stadiums on the continent.[10][11] 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.[9] Throughout the 1990s, the stadium maintained this capacity while accommodating high-profile events, including the final of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations between South Africa and Tunisia, which drew over 80,000 attendees despite varying reports of effective utilization around 70,000 due to safety configurations.[4] 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.[3] 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 infrastructure decay.[8] These limitations underscored the imperative for significant upgrades to restore and enhance capacity, aligning with preparations for hosting international tournaments, though substantive redevelopment planning did not commence until 2007.[12]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 City of Johannesburg.[13][14] Ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA's policy against corporate branding during its events required a temporary name change to Soccer City, overriding the existing FNB agreement despite the bank's status as a tournament sponsor.[15][8] Following the World Cup, 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.[16][17] In March 2017, FNB and SMSA finalized a renewed five-year naming rights 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 stadium naming sponsor.[14][18][13] 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.[19][20]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 2010 FIFA World Cup, including the opening match and final.[9] 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.[3] [21] 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.[3] 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.[21] 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.[21] Additional upgrades included modern changing rooms, media facilities, VIP areas, and a basement podium for parking and offices.[3] The project cost approximately 3.3 billion South African rand (equivalent to about US$440 million at the time), exceeding initial estimates by around 1 billion rand due to escalating material and labor prices amid a weakening rand.[22] Construction concluded on October 21, 2009, enabling test events prior to the World Cup's start on June 11, 2010.[9] 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.[22]Post-2010 Maintenance and 2025 Pitch Replacement
Following the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FNB Stadium's operations and maintenance fell under Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), which assumed a 10-year contract in 2009 entailing full financial risk for upkeep without municipal subsidies from the City of Johannesburg.[23] Monthly maintenance expenses stood at R2.5 million in 2013, supporting the venue's role 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.[23] By 2025, the stadium's hybrid GrassMaster pitch—originally installed ahead of the World Cup 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.[20][24] SMSA consulted international experts who confirmed the pitch exceeded its viable duration and recommended immediate action to ensure safety and quality compliant with FIFA standards.[24][20] 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).[25][24] 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.[25][24] 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.[20]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 African calabash, a gourd-shaped pot symbolizing rural African life, community gatherings, and cultural unity across the continent.[26][27] 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 "melting pot of cultures" and sharing hospitality.[28][29] The calabash motif extends to the stadium's curvilinear silhouette, which rises from the Nasrec site amid surrounding mine dumps, blending modern engineering with symbolic representation of African identity.[12][27] 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.[12][28] 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.[3][30] 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.[12] This integration of symbolism and functionality underscores the stadium's purpose as a vessel for collective sporting and cultural expression.[27][30]Capacity, Seating, and Infrastructure
The FNB Stadium possesses a seating capacity of 94,736, establishing it as Africa's largest football venue following extensive renovations completed in 2009.[3][9] 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 accessibility and demarcation purposes.[9][12] 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.[3] Category A premium seating occupies the southwest, south, and southeast sectors, offering proximity to the pitch and integrated hospitality amenities, while Category B sections provide standard access suitable for general football spectators.[31] 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 FIFA standards for international matches.[3][6] Infrastructure supports high-volume operations through a robust framework including a 68,000 m² roof and facade system providing partial weather coverage, a 320-meter diameter oval footprint, and 36-meter cantilevers over the seating bowls for structural stability.[21] Internal facilities encompass dedicated changing rooms, 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.[26] The venue's sunken field design, surrounded by elevated seating, enhances acoustics and visibility while incorporating modern drainage and lighting systems calibrated for broadcast and night fixtures.[9]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.[32] The surface consists of a hybrid grass system, integrating natural turf with synthetic fibers to improve resilience under heavy usage.[33] 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.[20][34][35] 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.[36] This upgrade ensures compliance with FIFA and CAF technical requirements for safety and performance, enabling the venue to host high-profile fixtures.[25] Floodlighting at the stadium provides illumination suitable for broadcasted international matches, meeting minimum FIFA guidelines of at least 1,400 lux average horizontal illuminance.[37] The system supports evening events without compromising visibility or player safety, as verified through the venue's certification for Category 4 FIFA status post-2010 renovations.[38]Major Sporting Events
2010 FIFA World Cup Hosting
FNB Stadium, temporarily branded as Soccer City for the tournament, hosted the opening ceremony and eight matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first to be staged on African soil, including the opening match, five group-stage fixtures, one round-of-16 encounter, one semifinal, and the final.[39][40] The venue's expanded capacity reached 94,736, drawing average attendances exceeding 83,000 per match, contributing to the tournament's total of over 3.1 million spectators across all venues.[39][41] The opening ceremony occurred on 11 June 2010, featuring cultural performances and dignitaries, preceding the inaugural match between host nation South Africa and Mexico, which ended in a 1–1 draw attended by 84,490 spectators.[42][43] South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the tournament's first goal in the 11th minute, equalized late by Mexico's Rafael Márquez.[43]| Date | Stage | Match | Score | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 June | Group A | South Africa vs Mexico | 1–1 | 84,490 |
| 14 June | Group E | Netherlands vs Denmark | 2–0 | 83,465 |
| 17 June | Group B | Argentina vs South Korea | 4–1 | 82,174 |
| 20 June | Group G | Brazil vs Ivory Coast | 3–1 | 84,455 |
| 23 June | Group D | Ghana vs Germany | 0–1 | 83,391 |
| 27 June | Round of 16 | Argentina vs Mexico | 3–1 | 84,377 |
| 2 July | Semifinal | Uruguay vs Ghana | 1–1 (4–2 pens) | 84,017 |
| 11 July | Final | Spain vs Netherlands | 1–0 | 84,490 |
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.[45] 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.[46] The stadium returned to prominence for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, again in South Africa, hosting the tournament's opening match and final exclusively among its fixtures.[47] On 19 January 2013, South Africa drew 0–0 with Cape Verde before a full house of 50,000, setting a cautious tone for the hosts' campaign.[48] The final on 10 February 2013 saw Nigeria triumph 1–0 over Burkina Faso, with Sunday Mba's 40th-minute strike securing the Super Eagles' third continental crown in front of 85,000 spectators.[49]Domestic Football and Club Competitions
FNB Stadium regularly hosts Premier Soccer League (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 Orlando Stadium.[50][51] 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.[50] The Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates 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.[52] Similarly, on May 3, 2025, Orlando Pirates secured a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in another derby at the stadium, completing a league double for Pirates that season.[53] Historical derbies have set attendance benchmarks, including a 0-0 draw on October 21, 2017, with 75,000 spectators.[54] Beyond league play, FNB Stadium accommodates domestic cup competitions under PSL oversight, such as Nedbank Cup semi-finals, where it has hosted knockout matches involving top clubs to leverage its facilities for significant attendances and broadcast logistics.[55] These events contribute to the stadium's role in elevating club football's profile in South Africa, though finals like the 2025 Nedbank Cup shifted to Moses Mabhida Stadium for logistical reasons.[56]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.[57] [58] 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.[59] [60] The stadium is scheduled to host further high-profile rugby in 2026 as part of the inaugural "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" tour between South Africa and New Zealand. 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.[61] [62] 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.[63]Non-Sporting Events
Concerts and Entertainment Productions
FNB Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile concerts and entertainment productions since its expansion for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, 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 South Africa. The stadium's calabash-inspired design and acoustics have drawn global acts seeking massive crowds in Africa, though logistical challenges like crowd control have occasionally marred experiences.[4] 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.[64] Subsequent events have featured diverse lineups, including the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 on December 2, 2018, with performers such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Chris Martin, and Ed Sheeran, drawing approximately 100,000 spectators to promote global activism.[65] [66] 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 tour total of 230,000 tickets sold.[67] [66] 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.[68] Other notable concerts include Guns N' Roses on November 29, 2018, and Justin Bieber on October 1, 2022, as part of his Purpose Tour.[69] The venue has also hosted multi-artist festivals like Calabash South Africa in 2025, featuring acts such as Green Day, The Offspring, and Fokofpolisiekar.[70]| Date | Artist(s)/Event | Attendance (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| February 13, 2011 | U2 (360° Tour) | 94,232 [64] |
| December 2, 2018 | Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 | 100,000 [66] |
| March 23–24, 2019 | Ed Sheeran (÷ Tour) | 135,000 (combined) [67] |
| October 11, 2025 | Travis Scott | 75,000+ [68] |
Religious and Political Gatherings
The FNB Stadium has served as a venue for major political gatherings in South Africa. On December 10, 2013, it hosted the official memorial service for former President Nelson Mandela, attended by over 90 world leaders and drawing tens of thousands of South Africans despite cold rain that left the 95,000-capacity venue two-thirds full.[72][73] The event featured speeches honoring Mandela's legacy, with U.S. President Barack Obama describing him as a "giant of history."[74] In the political sphere, the stadium has been a site for election-related rallies by major parties. The African National Congress (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.[75][76] The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also organized its 10th anniversary rally at the venue, gathering supporters for the party's milestone event.[77] Additionally, the ANC convened a "roll call" assembly of ward councillors in September 2025 to assess municipal governance progress under its control.[78] Religiously, the stadium accommodates large-scale inter-faith and denominational events. The annual National Day of Prayer, 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.[79][80] 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.[81] 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.[82]Economic and Operational Impact
Construction Costs, Funding, and Profitability
The reconstruction and expansion of FNB Stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup incurred costs of ZAR 3.3 billion, equivalent to approximately US$440 million at contemporaneous exchange rates.[9] Initial estimates for the upgrade were around R2.2 billion, but the final expenditure escalated to nearly R3.7 billion due to project overruns.[83] Subsequent investigations revealed that costs were artificially inflated through collusion among contractors, contributing to higher-than-necessary expenses.[9] Funding for the stadium's development was predominantly sourced from the South African national government as part of broader infrastructure investments to host the World Cup, with no direct contributions from FIFA, which requires host nations to cover stadium construction. Local government entities, such as the City of Johannesburg, provided no ongoing maintenance subsidies post-construction. The project aligned with public expenditure priorities aimed at legacy infrastructure, 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.[84][85][86]
