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2010 World Cup

Ellis Park Stadium (Johannesburg)

Capacity: 61 000
Budget: R230-million
Architect: DBN Architects
Contractor: Rainbow Contractors; Dura Plan
Start building: July 2007
Target LOC/Fifa completion date: December 2008
Scheduled completion date: July 2008

2010 World Cup matches:

Five first-round matches, one second-round match and one quarterfinal.

Details and progress:

The stadium will get 10 000 extra seats behind the goal on the north side, new parking areas and the tunnels will be broadened. The construction work for 2010 is relatively minor.
2009 Confederations Cup venue

The City

South Africa¹s largest metropolis and the only ‘global city’ on the continent, Johannesburg came to life following the discovery of gold in the region in the 1880s. Today it is one of the wealthiest cities in the world thanks to its rich gold and diamond trade.

Ironically, it does not form one of the country’s three capital cities though, but is home to the Constitutional Court, the highest court in South Africa. Johannesburg also functions as a gateway for international air travel to and from southern Africa, with the OR Tambo International the busiest airport on the continent.

The city has a rich sporting tradition, having hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, the 1996 African Nations Cup Final and the 2003 Cricket World Cup Final.

It is also home to a number of top South African soccer teams, among them BidVest Wits and Jomo Cosmos.