Stadium Updates: Two Venues Nearing Completion, Two Reach Milestones

Pretoria-Loftus Versfeld
Loftus Versfeld was the first stadium to open for play on Saturday, 7 February. The South African Premier Soccer League team Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-2 to Moroka Swallows. Loftus Versfeld is one of the Confederations Cup venues and will host the USA matches on 15 and 18 June. The stadium was built in 1906. For the World Cup a new roof has been installed over one stand and capacity has been increased by 5,000 to 50,000.

Rustenberg-Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace
Royal Bafokeng is another one of the Confederations Cup venues. It was built in 1999 and is being upgraded to add more seating (total capacity will be 42,000), roofs, and various internal facilities and aesthetics all around. The upgrades should be complete by the end of February. There is a match scheduled between South Africa and Norway on 28 March for the Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup. This is also the venue for the last of the USA first round Confederations Cup matches, to be held on 21 June.

Durban-Moses Mabhida Stadium
The fantastic arch over the stadium is now open for business, an event marked by a fireworks show. I really hope USA is drawn into a group that plays there because the place looks amazing. Have a look at this article where Organizing Committee chairman Danny Jordaan reflects on the criticism SA has received on its preparedness. I for one am rooting for South Africa and I think they'll be showing us a great tournament.

Cape Town-Green Point Stadium
Green Point is scheduled for completion on 14 December. A major milestone took place this month as they began to raise the roof for the stadium. Be sure to check out the pictures in the linked article. Green Point, along with Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, will be one of the premier venues for 2010. Just look at the view and the proximity to the ocean!