The Loftus Versfeld stadium is set to undergo
a multi-million rand facelift in preparation for 2010
Loftus Versfeld is set to undergo a multi-million rand facelift,
including a roof over the east stand of the stadium in preparation for
the 2010 Soccer World Cup. It is believed that it could become a bearer
for all stadiums for the tournament. Construction work is underway throughout
the country with five stadia being built while five others are undergoing
renovations.
Upgrade work at the 45 000 seater Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane will begin
soon. The stadium will also host the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Officials
say it will be complete by October 2008. The stadium was named after Robert
Owen Loftus Versfeld, the founder of organised sports in Tshwane, and
was first used for sports in 1906.
The stadium needs minimal upgrading to qualify as a venue for the 2010
matches. These include a massive roof on the eastern stand to help the
stadium meet FIFA's requirements in terms of floodlighting, all the seats
need to be replaced, the media centre needs to be upgraded, as well as
food and drinks kiosks.
Construction of new hotels
The city says it has received a number of proposals for the construction
of new hotels. It's also working with the hospitality industry to ensure
that there is adequate accommodation for fans during the cup. The municipality
has also replaced old buses with new ones and it is expected that there
should be about 300 busses available to boost the transport system during
the Soccer World Cup.
The city will also refurbish the Wonderboom Airport to help alleviate
the heavy inflow at the OR Tambo international and Lanseria airports.
Another aspect is the importance of public viewing spaces and fanparks.
It is expected that they could draw more than one million visitors to
South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, whether or not they have tickets
for tournament matches.
The city says only one fanpark has been identified thus far. Subesh Pillay,
from the political committee for 2010 in Tshwane, says: 'We've already
identified the venue that is awaiting FIFA approval now. We are looking
at the Tshwane showgrounds as the main fanpark. and then we've identified
five public viewing sites which would be in each of the city's regions.
One will be in Atteridgeville, Hammanskraal, Soshanguve, Mamelodi and
Centurion.'
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April 18, 2008
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