Ellis Park Stadium is a world-renowned sports and entertainment venue located in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The stadium has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s and has since undergone several renovations to become one of the most modern and iconic stadiums in the world. It is home to the Emirates Lions Rugby team and has hosted numerous international sports events and concerts.
Ellis Park Stadium has played a significant role in South African sports history. It is most notably remembered for hosting the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was won by the South African national team, the Springboks. The stadium has also hosted other major international sporting events such as the 1996 African Cup of Nations and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. In addition to sports, the stadium has also hosted concerts by world-renowned artists such as U2, Metallica, and Coldplay.
Despite its rich history, Ellis Park Stadium is a modern facility with state-of-the-art facilities. It has a seating capacity of up to 60,000 people and boasts several restaurants, bars, and VIP suites. The stadium is easily accessible via public transportation and has ample parking for those who prefer to drive. With its rich history and modern facilities, Ellis Park Stadium is a must-visit destination for sports fans and concert-goers alike.
Key Takeaways
- Ellis Park Stadium is a world-renowned sports and entertainment venue located in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
- The stadium has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s and has since undergone several renovations to become one of the most modern and iconic stadiums in the world.
- Despite its rich history, Ellis Park Stadium is a modern facility with state-of-the-art facilities, seating capacity of up to 60,000 people, and is easily accessible via public transportation.
History of Ellis Park Stadium
Construction and Opening
Ellis Park Stadium, located in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa, was constructed in 1928 and was first named after Mr. J.D. Ellis who initially made the land available for the stadium. The stadium was built primarily for rugby games and was officially opened on 24 May 1928 with a match between Transvaal and the British Lions. The stadium had a capacity of 10,000 people at the time.
Renovations and Upgrades
The stadium was upgraded in 1982 to accommodate almost 60,000 people. The upgrades included the construction of new stands and the installation of floodlights. In 2005, Ellis Park Stadium made history by becoming the first black-owned stadium in South Africa. Ongoing upgrades, renovations, and safety reviews have confirmed the stadium’s reputation as one of the best stadiums in the world.
Significant Events
Ellis Park Stadium has hosted many significant events throughout its history. It hosted the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was won by the country’s national team, the Springboks. The stadium was also used for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In addition to rugby, the stadium hosts football matches, with SAFA using the stadium for local Premier Division games.
A sad part of Ellis Park Stadium’s history is the death of 42 spectators due to a spectator stampede in 2001 during a game between the two giants of the South African Premier Soccer League, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates. The tragedy led to a significant review of stadium safety measures in South Africa.
Ellis Park Stadium has a rich history and continues to be a significant venue for rugby and football matches in South Africa.
Facilities at Ellis Park Stadium
Ellis Park Stadium is one of the most iconic stadiums in South Africa, with a rich history of hosting major sporting events. The stadium has undergone several upgrades and renovations over the years, making it a world-class facility that can accommodate thousands of spectators.
Seating Capacity
The stadium has a seating capacity of around 60,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in South Africa. However, during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, the stadium hosted a record crowd of over 62,000 people. The seating arrangement is designed to provide an unobstructed view of the field, ensuring that every spectator has a clear view of the action.
VIP Areas
Ellis Park Stadium has several VIP areas that offer a luxurious experience for guests. The Presidential Suite is the most exclusive area in the stadium, offering a private lounge, bar, and balcony with a panoramic view of the field. The suite can accommodate up to 40 guests and is often used by high-profile guests and dignitaries.
The stadium also has several other VIP areas, including the Executive Suite and the Chairman’s Lounge. These areas offer a more intimate setting for guests, with comfortable seating, food, and beverage options, and private restrooms.
Concession Stands
The stadium has several concession stands located throughout the facility, offering a variety of food and beverage options for guests. The stands offer traditional South African cuisine, such as boerewors rolls, biltong, and pap and wors. There are also several international food options, including pizza, burgers, and hot dogs.
In addition to food and beverage options, the concession stands also sell merchandise, such as team jerseys, hats, and scarves. The merchandise is a popular souvenir for visitors and fans of the local teams.
Overall, Ellis Park Stadium is a world-class facility that offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests. With its state-of-the-art facilities, luxurious VIP areas, and a wide range of food and beverage options, the stadium is a must-visit destination for sports fans in South Africa.
Ellis Park Stadium Accessibility
Ellis Park Stadium is located in the heart of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is easily accessible by public transportation and private vehicles. The stadium management has taken several measures to ensure that visitors can access the stadium without any difficulty.
Public Transportation
The stadium is well-connected by public transportation. Visitors can use the Gautrain, which is a rapid transit railway system that connects Johannesburg with the surrounding areas. The Park Station is the nearest Gautrain station to Ellis Park Stadium. From there, visitors can take a taxi or walk to the stadium. The stadium is also easily accessible by bus. The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System has a stop near the stadium. Visitors can take the Rea Vaya bus to the stadium from various locations in Johannesburg.
Parking and Traffic Management
Ellis Park Stadium has ample parking facilities for visitors. There are several parking lots around the stadium, and visitors can park their vehicles there for a fee. The stadium management has implemented a traffic management plan to ensure that visitors can enter and exit the stadium without any difficulty. The plan includes road closures, traffic diversions, and traffic control measures. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion and find parking.
In conclusion, Ellis Park Stadium is easily accessible by public transportation and private vehicles. The stadium management has taken several measures to ensure that visitors can access the stadium without any difficulty. Visitors can use the Gautrain or Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit System to reach the stadium. The stadium has ample parking facilities, and visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion.
Sports and Concerts at Ellis Park Stadium
Ellis Park Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The stadium has a seating capacity of around 60,000 spectators and is one of the most modern stadiums in the country [1].
Rugby Matches
Ellis Park Stadium is primarily known for hosting rugby matches. The stadium has been the home ground for the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, since 1952 [1]. The stadium also hosted the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was won by South Africa [2].
Soccer Matches
Ellis Park Stadium has also hosted several soccer matches over the years. The stadium was one of the venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and hosted five matches during the tournament [1]. The stadium has also been used for several domestic soccer matches.
Other Sporting Events
Apart from rugby and soccer, Ellis Park Stadium has also hosted other sporting events such as boxing, wrestling, and track and field events [1]. The stadium has also been used as a venue for monster truck shows and other motorsport events.
Music and Entertainment
Ellis Park Stadium has also been used as a venue for concerts and other music and entertainment events. The stadium has hosted several international artists such as Phil Collins and The Rolling Stones [3]. The stadium has also hosted local artists and music festivals.
Overall, Ellis Park Stadium is a versatile venue that has hosted a wide range of sporting and entertainment events over the years. The stadium’s modern facilities and central location make it a popular choice for event organizers.
[1] Ellis Park Stadium – Wikipedia
[2] Ellis Park Stadium Events Calendar & Schedule 2024 – Johannesburg …
[3] Concert History of Ellis Park Stadium Johannesburg, Gauteng, South …
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seating capacity of Ellis Park Stadium?
Ellis Park Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 55,000 people.
Has Ellis Park Stadium recently undergone renovations?
Yes, Ellis Park Stadium has undergone several renovations over the years. The most significant renovation took place in 1982, when the stadium was upgraded to accommodate almost 60,000 people. In recent years, the stadium has undergone further renovations to improve its facilities and enhance the match-day experience for fans.
What was the Ellis Park Stadium disaster?
The Ellis Park Stadium disaster occurred on 11 April 2001 during a soccer match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The stampede resulted in the deaths of 43 people and left many others injured. The disaster led to an overhaul of stadium safety regulations in South Africa.
What is the new name for Ellis Park Stadium?
Ellis Park Stadium is currently known as Emirates Airline Park for sponsorship reasons.
How can I purchase tickets for events at Ellis Park Stadium?
Tickets for events at Ellis Park Stadium can be purchased online through various ticketing platforms. Fans can also purchase tickets at the stadium’s ticket office on match-day.
What altitude is Ellis Park Stadium located at?
Ellis Park Stadium is located at an altitude of approximately 1,753 meters (5,751 feet) above sea level. The high altitude can have an impact on players’ performance, particularly those who are not accustomed to playing at such heights.
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