The Cape Town Stadium is Complete
At last, Cape Town’s impressive sports stadium is complete – and it’s ready to host sports events on a grand scale.
Work on the Cape Town Stadium began in March 2007, and in just under three years, contractors overhauled the former Green Point Stadium and transformed it into a world-class sporting venue. At a cost of a whopping R4.4-billion, the Cape Town Stadium has been designed, crafted and systems-tested, and is ready to host sporting and entertainment events on a grand scale.
The innovatively designed stadium, which features seating for 68,000 spectators, has been constructed primarily to host the Soccer World Cup in 2010. However, once the final whistle has blown, the venue will be primed to host local and international sports matches, arts and cultural events, concerts, live shows and an array of entertainment events.
Continue reading to learn more about this impressive architectural feat at the foot of Table Mountain, and to find out some interesting facts about Cape Town’s newest stadium.
Design and construction of the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point
Although it’s just a few months old, the Cape Town Stadium has already become a defining feature of the Cape Town skyline. Constructed in a prime location between the mountain and the sea, the Cape Town Stadium has secured pride of place in one of the world’s most scenic cities.
The design of the stadium is a result of the successful collaboration between South African and German architects, and it has been crafted to take full advantage of the beauty of the area. At night, lit up against the black sky, the stadium appears to be a floating rose-shaped bowl. During the day, its Teflon-coated fibreglass facade reflects the ambience of the city, dependent on its weather patterns – bright, sunny skies or dramatic grey clouds.
Several new stadiums have been constructed around South Africa in the build-up to the World Cup in 2010. However, it is the Cape Town Stadium that has set the benchmark for the pitches in South Africa’s stadiums: Its rye grass field is widely regarded as the leading pitch among the country’s stadia.
Of particular interest is the design of the stadium’s roof. Don’t be fooled by its bicycle wheel-like appearance. This glass-panelled roof has in fact been built according to a groundbreaking design, which protects spectators from rain and strong winds, lets light in, and reduces noise from within.
Interesting Cape Town Stadium facts
- Of the stadium’s 68,000 seats, 13,000 are temporary and will be removed after the World Cup.
- Its innovative design enables the stadium to be illuminated by natural light, minimising the number of lights needed, and hence increasing its energy efficiency.
- There are 250 VIP suites at the stadium.
- When deconstructed, 95% of the old Green Point Stadium’s components were able to be recycled and reused.
- Water that drains from the pitch, as well as water from the stadium’s roof, is collected and pumped into ponds at the Green Point Common, helping the stadium to achieve its high levels of environmental protection.
- A cleverly-designed moat around the circumference of the field prevents field invasions.
- There are 500 toilets at the Cape Town Stadium.
- The stadium’s acoustic-dampening design makes it the ideal venue for music concerts.
- A police station has been constructed inside the stadium to deal with any unruly incidents or people at the stadium.
Viewing the Cape Town Stadium
Tours of the spectacular venue, as well as various local sports events, are already being held at the Cape Town Stadium, so take some time to view this architectural feat next time you’re in the Mother City.
About the Author:
As a 5-star hotel in Cape Town’s CBD, the Taj Cape Town is ideally positioned close to the Cape Town Stadium, as well as many leading attractions in the city. Book accommodation at the Taj Cape Town today.
