FNB Stadium
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| FNB Stadium | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Stadium name | FNB Stadium |
| Location | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Tenants | Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa national football team |
FNB Stadium is a large stadium located in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is also known as the Soccer City stadium. It has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. The stadium is home to the Kaizer Chiefs football club and the South Africa national football team, and has also hosted concerts and other events featuring performers such as Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Kenny Chesney. The stadium's design and construction were influenced by the Ellis Park Stadium and the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, and it has been compared to other large stadiums such as Wembley Stadium and the Rose Bowl (stadium).
● History
The history of the stadium dates back to the 1980s, when it was first proposed as a venue for the 1987 All Africa Games. The stadium was designed by the Populous architectural firm, which also designed the Yankee Stadium and the London Stadium. The construction of the stadium was overseen by the South African Government and the City of Johannesburg, and it was officially opened in 1987 by the State President of South Africa, P.W. Botha. The stadium has since hosted numerous events, including the 1996 African Cup of Nations and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, which featured teams such as Spain national football team, Brazil national football team, and the United States men's national soccer team. The stadium has also been used as a venue for concerts and other events, including performances by Michael Jackson, U2, and the Rolling Stones.
● Design and Construction
The design of the stadium was influenced by the African National Congress and the South African Football Association, and it features a unique calabash-shaped design. The stadium's construction was carried out by the Basil Read construction company, which also worked on the Cape Town Stadium and the Mbombela Stadium. The stadium's seating capacity is over 94,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in Africa and comparable to other large stadiums such as the Stade de France and the Beijing National Stadium. The stadium's design and construction were also influenced by the FIFA World Cup and the International Olympic Committee, and it has been certified as a FIFA World Cup venue by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association. The stadium's architecture has been compared to other notable buildings such as the Sydney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
● Facilities and Features
The stadium features a range of facilities and amenities, including a large video screen, a sound system, and a variety of concession stands. The stadium also has a number of suites and lounges, including the VIP Suite and the Presidential Suite, which offer luxurious amenities and views of the field. The stadium's field is made of natural grass, and it has a state-of-the-art drainage system to ensure that the field remains playable even in wet conditions. The stadium is also equipped with a range of safety features, including a fire suppression system and a emergency response plan, which are overseen by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and the South African Police Service. The stadium has been recognized for its sustainability features, including its use of renewable energy and its rainwater harvesting system, which are similar to those used at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Allianz Arena.
● Events and Tenants
The stadium has hosted a wide range of events, including football matches, concerts, and other sports events. The stadium is home to the Kaizer Chiefs football club, which plays in the Premier Soccer League, and the South Africa national football team, which competes in international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. The stadium has also hosted concerts and other events featuring performers such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, and it has been used as a venue for the MTV Africa Music Awards and the South African Music Awards. The stadium has also been used as a venue for other sports events, including rugby union matches featuring teams such as the South Africa national rugby union team and the New Zealand national rugby union team, and cricket matches featuring teams such as the South Africa national cricket team and the Australia national cricket team.
● Renovations and Upgrades
The stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, including a major renovation in 2010 in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The renovation included the installation of new seating, the construction of new suites and lounges, and the upgrade of the stadium's sound and video systems. The stadium has also undergone other upgrades, including the installation of a new field and the upgrade of the stadium's drainage system, which are similar to those used at the Camp Nou and the San Siro. The stadium is currently undergoing another renovation, which includes the construction of a new roof and the upgrade of the stadium's facilities and amenities, and is expected to be completed in time for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The renovation is being overseen by the South African Government and the City of Johannesburg, and it is expected to cost over $100 million, which is comparable to the cost of renovations at the Wembley Stadium and the Rose Bowl (stadium).