Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg: World Cup 2010 stadium guide

Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg: A guide to Ellis Park Stadium for the Fifa World Cup 2010 in South Africa, from June 11, 2010.

 

Published: 1:53PM GMT 19 Nov 2009

Ellis Park Stadium - Johannesburg Photo: GETTY IMAGES

 

Nelson Mandela congratulates Francois Pienaar after the 1995 Rugby World Cup final Photo: AFP

Ellis Park Stadium - Johannesburg Photo: AP

Possibly the most famous of South African sporting venues, Ellis Park in Johannesburg was originally built in 1928, but underwent a major face-lift in time for the 2009 Confederations Cup.

Ellis Park holds a special place in South African hearts after the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when the host nation beat favourites New Zealand 15-12 in extra-time, soon after the country's readmission to international competition following the end of apartheid. The iconic image of South Africa president Nelson Mandela, dressed in a Springboks rugby jersey, handing the trophy to Francois Pienaar signalled the reawakening of a sporting giant.

 

Built as a rugby union stadium for Transvaal (now known as the Golden Lions), Ellis Park has also staged cricket matches, while also being the home ground of Premier League football side Orlando Pirates.
It was demolished and rebuilt in 1982 before undergoing upgrades to increase capacity to 62,000 for last summer.
Built: 1982.
Capacity: 62,000.
Also known as: Coca-Cola Park.
Famous moment in sporting history: 1995 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand; 2009 Confederations Cup final between Brazil and USA.
Home of: Orlando Pirates FC; Golden Lions and Lions (rugby).
World Cup 2010 games: Five group games, one second-round game, one quarter-final game.