Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Atteridgeville, a township of Pretoria, South Africa. The stadium was built in 2008 and has a capacity of 28,900 spectators. It is currently used mostly for football matches and serves as part-time home stadium of Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns.
The stadium was named after former local soccer player Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, who played for Pretoria Callies and Orlando Pirates in the 1970s and won several awards, including the League’s Player of the Year in 1973. He was also known as “The god of football” and “Soweto.” The Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Tshwane, was renamed after the legendary Pretoria soccer player in 2010.
The stadium is a popular venue for football fans in South Africa, and it has hosted many high-profile matches over the years. The stadium is known for its excellent facilities and has been praised for its modern design. In this article, we will explore the history, structure, and facilities of the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, as well as its location, usage, management, and ownership. We will also look at the economic impact of the stadium and its community engagement initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Atteridgeville, a township of Pretoria, South Africa, with a capacity of 28,900 spectators.
- The stadium was named after former local soccer player Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, who played for Pretoria Callies and Orlando Pirates in the 1970s and won several awards, including the League’s Player of the Year in 1973.
- The stadium is a popular venue for football fans in South Africa, and it has hosted many high-profile matches over the years.
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium History
Construction
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Atteridgeville, a township of Pretoria, South Africa. The stadium was built in 2008 by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality at a cost of R160 million. The construction of the stadium was part of the South African government’s plan to build new stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Opening
The stadium was officially opened on 22 November 2008, with a match between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United. The stadium has a seating capacity of 28,900 spectators and has been used mostly for football matches. It serves as a part-time home stadium of Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns.
Notable Events
In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed in honor of Lucas Moripe, a legendary Pretoria soccer player who played for Pretoria Callies and Orlando Pirates in the early 1970s. The stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium after a meeting between the Lucas Moripe Foundation, family members, and the former player in May 2010.
The stadium has hosted several notable events, including the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. During the World Cup, the stadium hosted four group stage matches and one round of 16 match. In addition to football matches, the stadium has also hosted concerts and other events.
Structure and Facilities
Seating Capacity
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa. The stadium has a seating capacity of 28,900, which is suitable for hosting football matches and other events. The seating is arranged in a bowl shape, with a lower and upper tier, providing excellent views of the playing surface from all angles. The stadium also has dedicated seating areas for VIPs, media, and disabled spectators.
Pitch
The playing surface at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is a natural grass pitch that provides a smooth and even playing surface. The pitch is well-maintained, ensuring that it is always in excellent condition for matches and events. The stadium also has an underground irrigation system that helps to keep the pitch in top condition, even during periods of drought.
Lighting and Sound
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium has state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems that provide an excellent atmosphere for matches and events. The lighting system is designed to provide excellent visibility for players and spectators, even during night matches. The sound system is also of high quality, ensuring that announcements and music can be heard clearly throughout the stadium.
In summary, Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium has excellent facilities that make it a top-class venue for football matches and other events. With a seating capacity of 28,900, a well-maintained natural grass pitch, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, the stadium provides an excellent experience for players and spectators alike.
Location and Access
Geographical Setting
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is located in Atteridgeville, a township in the west of Pretoria, South Africa. Atteridgeville is situated approximately 15 kilometers west of Pretoria’s central business district. The stadium is situated on the corner of R55 and Motswako Street. The stadium is easily accessible from Pretoria and Johannesburg via the R55, which connects to the N14 highway.
Transport Links
The stadium is easily accessible by car and public transport. The Gautrain, a high-speed train service, connects Pretoria to Johannesburg, and the Gautrain bus service provides transport to and from the Gautrain station in Pretoria. The stadium is also accessible by taxi and bus.
There is ample parking available at the stadium, with designated parking areas for VIPs, disabled persons, and general public. The stadium also has a drop-off and pick-up zone for taxis, buses, and private vehicles.
Additionally, the stadium is located near several hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, making it a convenient location for visitors.
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium Events and Usage
Sports Matches
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is primarily used for football matches and serves as the part-time home stadium of Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns [1]. The stadium has a capacity of 28,900 spectators, making it an ideal venue for hosting high-profile matches. The stadium’s pitch is well-maintained and meets international standards, making it a popular choice for hosting international matches.
The stadium has hosted several high-profile matches, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where it was used as a training venue for the Netherlands national football team [2]. The stadium has also hosted several matches of the South African national football team, including the 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Concerts and Events
In addition to hosting football matches, Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium has also been used for concerts and other events. The stadium has a large seating capacity, making it an ideal venue for hosting concerts and other large-scale events.
Some of the notable events that have been hosted at the stadium include the 2010 FIFA World Cup Fan Fest, which was held in the stadium’s parking lot and attracted thousands of football fans from around the world [1]. The stadium has also hosted several music concerts, including performances by popular South African musicians.
Overall, Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is a versatile venue that can be used for a wide range of events. Its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class pitch make it an ideal venue for hosting high-profile sports matches, while its large seating capacity makes it an attractive option for concerts and other large-scale events.
[1] Lucas Moripe Stadium – Wikipedia
[2] Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium – Football Tripper
Management and Ownership
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is owned and managed by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The stadium is named after Lucas Moripe, a legendary football player from Pretoria. The stadium is located in Atteridgeville, a township of Pretoria, South Africa. The stadium has a capacity to host 28,900 spectators and is currently used mostly for football matches. It serves as part-time home stadium of Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns.
The stadium was opened in 2008 and cost R48 million to build. It was initially known as the Atteridgeville Super Stadium but was renamed in 2010 after Lucas Moripe. The renaming was done in honor of the former local soccer player, following a meeting between the Lucas Moripe Foundation, family members and the former player in May 2010.
The stadium has undergone several renovations since its opening. In 2008, it underwent an extensive renovation to meet FIFA standards for the 2010 World Cup. The renovation included the installation of new seats, floodlights, and a new playing surface. Mamelodi Sundowns also paid millions to get the stadium ready for their matches. They fixed the floodlights, leaks in the change rooms, and other issues to bring it up to an acceptable standard.
Renovations and Upgrades
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades to improve its facilities and amenities for the comfort of the fans and players. The stadium, which is located in Atteridgeville, a township of Pretoria, South Africa, is currently used mostly for football matches and serves as part-time home stadium of Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns [1].
One of the most notable renovations was suggested back in 2022 when the project of upgrading the Moripe stadia was initiated. With the 2023/2024 pre-season fast approaching, the City of Tshwane-owned stadium underwent a renovation process that was almost completed by May 2024 [1]. The renovation process included upgrading the stadium’s seating capacity, installing new floodlights, and improving the playing surface, among others.
The stadium’s seating capacity was increased to 28,900, making it one of the largest stadiums in South Africa. The new floodlights installed in the stadium are state-of-the-art and provide better visibility for both players and fans during night matches. Additionally, the playing surface was improved to meet the international standards required for professional football matches [1].
Overall, the renovations and upgrades made to Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium have significantly improved the stadium’s facilities and amenities. The stadium is now better equipped to host professional football matches and provide a comfortable experience for fans and players alike.
Economic Impact
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, South Africa. It is a source of pride for the local community and has had a positive economic impact on the area. The stadium has hosted numerous events, including football matches, concerts, and other cultural events, which have brought in visitors from all over the country.
One of the most significant economic impacts of the stadium is the boost it has given to local businesses. The influx of visitors to the area has led to increased sales for restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in the area. This has created new job opportunities and helped to stimulate economic growth in the region.
In addition to the economic benefits, the stadium has also had a positive impact on the local community. It has provided a venue for sporting and cultural events, which has helped to bring people together and foster a sense of community spirit. The stadium has also been used for community development programs, which have helped to improve the lives of local residents.
Overall, Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium has had a significant economic impact on the local community. It has provided a venue for events that have brought in visitors from all over the country, which has helped to stimulate economic growth and create new job opportunities in the area. Additionally, it has provided a space for community development programs and events, which have helped to improve the lives of local residents.
Community Engagement
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium has been a hub for community engagement since its inception. The stadium is named after former local soccer player Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, who is a well-respected figure in the community. The stadium is located in Atteridgeville, a township of Pretoria, South Africa, and serves as part-time home stadium of Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns [1].
The stadium has hosted several events and programs that have brought the community together. For instance, the Lucas Moripe Foundation, family members, and the former player agreed to rename the Atteridgeville Super Stadium to Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in May 2010. It was agreed that no conditions should be attached to the renaming, as it was an honour for Moripe, and an opportunity to celebrate his contribution to the community [2].
The stadium has also been used to host charity events and campaigns aimed at uplifting the community. For example, in 2018, the Mamelodi Sundowns Foundation hosted a charity event at the stadium to raise funds for the less fortunate in the community. The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including government officials, business leaders, and celebrities [1].
In conclusion, Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium has played a significant role in community engagement and has been a source of pride for the community. The stadium has hosted several events and programs that have brought the community together, and it continues to be a symbol of hope and unity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seating capacity of the stadium?
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium has an official seating capacity of 28,900 for football matches as of 2024 Football Tripper.
Where is the stadium located?
The stadium is located in the Atteridgeville suburb of Pretoria, South Africa Groundhop.
How can one find the seating plan for the stadium?
The seating plan for the stadium can be found on the official website of the stadium or the club that is hosting the event.
What recent renovations have been done to the stadium?
The stadium underwent renovations in 2008 StadiumDB.com.
How can tickets be purchased for events at the stadium?
Tickets for events at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium can be purchased online via the official website of the club that is hosting the event or at the stadium’s ticket office on the day of the event.
Are there any notable historical events associated with the stadium?
Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium has hosted several notable events in its history, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations World of Stadiums.
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