Green Point Stadium
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| Green Point Stadium | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Green Point Stadium |
| Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Coordinates | 33, 54, 12.35, S... |
| Broke ground | 2007 |
| Opened | 2009 |
| Owner | City of Cape Town |
| Operator | Stade de France (via SAIL/Stade de France Cape Town) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction cost | R4.4 billion (approx.) |
| Architect | gmp Architekten & Louis Karol Architects |
| Structural engineer | Schlaich Bergermann Partner |
| Capacity | 55,000 (football) |
| Tenants | Cape Town City F.C. (selected matches) |
Green Point Stadium. It is a major multi-purpose venue located within the Green Point precinct of Cape Town, constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium is renowned for its striking design, featuring a translucent, pillow-like roof that illuminates at night, and its prime location between the Atlantic Ocean and Signal Hill. Since the tournament, it has hosted a wide array of international sporting fixtures, major concerts, and cultural events, becoming an iconic landmark in the city's urban landscape.
History
The decision to construct a new stadium in Cape Town was confirmed following South Africa's successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with the goal of providing a world-class venue for tournament matches. The project involved the demolition of the old Green Point Track and faced significant public debate regarding its environmental impact and cost. Construction was managed by a consortium including Murray & Roberts and WBHO, beginning in 2007 and concluding in late 2009. Its inaugural major event was a Premier Soccer League match between Santos F.C. and Ajax Cape Town in 2010, shortly before hosting eight World Cup matches, including a semi-final between Netherlands and Uruguay.
Location
The stadium is situated within the larger Green Point Urban Park, a rehabilitated common previously used for golf and sports fields, which was developed concurrently. Its position offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Seaboard, Robben Island, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. The site is well-integrated into the city's transport network, being adjacent to the M6 highway and served by the MyCiTi bus rapid transit system. This central location places it near major attractions like the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town Stadium precinct, facilitating its use for large-scale events.
Events
Beyond the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events. It was a primary venue for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, staging the opening match and final. It regularly hosts Springboks rugby union tests, South African rugby sevens tournaments, and major Premier Soccer League fixtures, including the Cape Town Derby between Ajax Cape Town and Cape Town City F.C.. The venue has also become a premier concert location, with performances by international artists such as U2, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Paul McCartney. Other notable events include the World Rugby Sevens Series and the Cape Town Cycle Tour expo.
Design and Features
Designed by the German firm gmp Architekten in association with Louis Karol Architects, the stadium's most distinctive feature is its fiberglass roof, engineered by Schlaich Bergermann Partner. This roof, comprising 9,000 translucent panels, allows natural light onto the pitch while providing cover for all spectators and can be lit in various colors. The bowl design ensures an intimate atmosphere with excellent sightlines from all 55,000 seats. Sustainable design elements were prioritized, including a pitch irrigation system using recycled water, energy-efficient lighting, and the integration of the structure into the surrounding Green Point Urban Park biodiversity.
Current Status
The stadium is owned by the City of Cape Town and operated under a long-term contract by SAIL/Stade de France Cape Town, a subsidiary of the Stade de France consortium. It functions as a multi-purpose events arena, hosting football, rugby, concerts, and conferences to ensure financial sustainability. Its operation is a focal point of the city's tourism and events strategy, contributing significantly to the local economy. Ongoing efforts focus on attracting a wider range of events and increasing its utilization, while maintaining its status as one of South Africa's most recognizable and technologically advanced sporting venues. Category:Football venues in South Africa Category:Buildings and structures in Cape Town Category:2010 FIFA World Cup stadiums