Progress on site proves the city is ready to host World Cup games.
A significant milestone was reached on 12 March when the last of the 36 girders for the roof was erected, illustrating that the R1,7 billion stadium is nearing completion.
The event was celebrated with a historic match played between two seven-a-side teams consisting of Port Elizabeth soccer legends including Miley Ajam, Andrew Jordaan, Desmond Jacobs an former Bafana Bafana defender, Frankie Schoeman. Jacobs also highlighted his excitement by commenting on the stadium.
“This stadium, and being a host city for the World Cup, is a big boost for the metro. We will without a doubt host a great tournament. Just being here gives me goosebumps, how much more when the stadium is filled to capacity?”
Ajam said it was a great privilege playing at the stadium. “Once you get into the stadium reality hits you – the World Cup is here.”
Metro municipal spokesman, Roland Williams said that this was a very significant milestone in the construction of the stadium and that we need to applaud Grinaker-LTA/Interbeton JV and all the contractors who have worked extremely hard. Williams also commented that the timely completion of the stadium proved FIFA’s decision to exclude NMB Stadium as a host city for the Confederations Cup was wrong.
Several events are lined up to test the waters when the stadium gets operational in May. Among other things, the first trial game is scheduled for that month, while the first full-capacity match will be staged in June 2009 when the British Lions play an Eastern Cape Coastal team.
All aspects of the project have factored energy efficiency as an important element. This includes energy-saving designs, the building management system and temperature control and reduced energy consumption rates. The bulk sewer and bulk water line – to service the stadium has also been completed.
| Stadium Statistics |
|
| Volume of material excavated |
138 000m³ |
| Total lengths of PTFE Membrane |
21km |
| Total length of sating |
12,7km |
| Height of structure |
34m |
| Stadium capacity |
48 459 |
| Total floor area |
55 000m² |
| Rooms |
1015 |
| Kiosks |
54 |
| Floodlights |
264 |
| Total length of computer cables |
450km |
| Scoreboards |
2 |
