Stadium Management South Africa Looks Ahead To New Opportunities

As the dust settles on a momentous occasion in South African sporting history, the Vodacom Super 14 Final held at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Stadium Management South Africa is looking forward to new opportunities.

“It’s a time to reflect on the significance of what the recent paradigm shift means in terms of opportunities for each of our stadia. We were awe inspired by the influx of unorthodox supporters to Orlando Stadium, which has always been the traditional home of soccer in this country” said Jacques Grobbelaar, Executive Chairman Stadium Management SA.

The Blue Bulls Company approached Stadium Management SA in mid March as Orlando Stadium, home ground of Orlando Pirates Football Club and a preferred venue of the Absa Premier Soccer League, was earmarked as one of a four alternative venues to host a possible Blue Bulls Super 14 Semi-Final.

“From the beginning of March 2010 we stated that “together we will make history” by hosting the Blue Bulls in Soweto, but never did we anticipate the Mzanzi Magic that we all experienced on the 22nd and 29th of May. It was made possible with the support of all stakeholders, everyone helped out - the COJ Community Development and 2010 Office, FIFA, LOC, SAPS, JMPD and the Gauteng Province, and most of all the great citizens of Soweto and the fans, who embraced each other in this historic milestone – they deserve a special mention.

For us, watching South African supporters come together in their thousands to enjoy a shared love of sport was extremely motivating. The Blue Bulls were nothing but complementary about the efficient, professional management of the stadium, impressive condition of the field and world class facilities that we have”, said Grobbelaar.

The Super 14 Semi Final and Final matches were both sold out at Orlando Stadium, a feat far beyond what was envisaged by any of the stakeholders and organisers involved. The two Super 14 rugby games, along with the recent Bafana Bafana practice matches in the lead to the imminent FIFA World Cup, provided an ideal opportunity to test the readiness of the stadia within the precinct as well as inaugurate a bridging of the gap between sports fans.

Stadium Management SA, the appointed Stadium Manager of Orlando Stadium and Soccer City, (to be renamed National Stadium after the FIFA World Cup) manages the stadia as multipurpose venues, hosting a range of different sporting and commercial events.

Soccer City, as a preferred venue, will continue hosting the prime of the PSL prestigious Cup Competitions such as the Nedbank Cup and the Telkom Charity Cup. Orlando will host up to five Absa PSL premiership soccer matches by Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

“Up to two music concerts featuring international stars are planned for this year, and we are very excited by the progress shown with informal discussions that we’ve had with the GLRU and they in turn with SA Rugby. Although in infancy we are confident that the Boks may play at National Stadium in the near future, possibly mid August. The prospect of the Lions playing some Super Rugby and Absa Currie Cup rugby at National Stadium and Orlando Stadium could also become a reality. We also hope to welcome the Blue Bulls back to Soweto in 2011”, continued Grobbelaar.

Stadium Management SA aims to assist in carrying the legacy of the past weekend into the future, especially for people who missed out on the terrific sporting spirit and atmosphere in the suburb. Matches held in Soweto may help to broaden rugby by attracting a new supporter base and potential players who have not previously been exposed to the game at a national level without access to the broadcasting channels or the stadia.

Soccer City is a 94,000-seat stadium that is perfectly capable of hosting Springbok matches post FIFA World Cup fervour, opening doors to supporters who have yet to experience and support the great game of rugby. The stadium has much to offer, from a vast number of extra seats (up to 33’000 more), hospitality space, safe parking (up to 24’000), efficient bus services and the ability to create an electrifying atmosphere the venue is now noted as amongst the best, if not the best, sporting facility in the world. The abundance of parking space alone together with the opportunity to implement tiered ticket pricing made possible by the seating capacity will invite more local fans to attend soccer and rugby at the stadium.

For more information go to: brescia@stadiummanagement.co.za or visit www.stadiummangement.co.za

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