http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f0/Ellispark1.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/EllisPark2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/EllisPark.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/EllisPark3.jpg

Project Name Ellis Park Stadium
Project Category Stadium Infrastructure
Spatial location of Project Johannesburg
Project Timing Start Date: April 2007 End Date: Dec 2008 Duration: 21 months
Project Description Upgrading of the Ellis Park stadium to meet FIFA requirements
Project Value R 229 million

World Cup venue ready June 2008

Ellis park set for June 2008 completion date
-1995 rugby world cup final stadium ready 2 years before kick-off

Cost: R500 million
http://www.gilesridley.com/shop/images/Ref.EllisPark-02.RWC%20Final1995.SA15N%20Z12.jpg

Ellis Park ready to host Mandela Challenge
November 01, 2007, 16:30

Ellis Park stadium will be ready to host the Nelson Mandela Challenge between Bafana Bafana and the US, in about two weeks’ time. That is despite the renovations taking place at the venue. The venue will also host the 46664 AIDS Benefit Concert on December 1.

The stadium is earmarked to host some of the 2010 World Cup matches, but it has to be ready for the Confederations Cup, which takes place a year earlier than the 2010 matches.

Areas like the Presidential Suite are already receiving a facelift. There will also be 5 000 extra seats on the northern side, a hospitality room and new changing rooms.

This is Orlando Pirates' home ground and the team will continue to use Ellis Park despite the work in progress.

With R500 million set aside, the renovations are expected to be completed by June next year.

Video: http://www.sabcnews.com/video_ram/0,1573,48006,00.ram

The idiot in this video says its will host a semi-final, but it will actually host a quarter-final.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/204/478113140_e3513764c8_b.jpg
http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/1230731.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6868C1A6B7529E2549930FDCFC4C15FBB

Ellis Park Stadium ready for 2010 by June 2008

http://www.sa2010.gov.za/slideshows/ellispark/ellispark005.jpg
http://www.sa2010.gov.za/slideshows/ellispark/ellispark004.jpg
http://www.sa2010.gov.za/slideshows/ellispark/ellispark007.jpg
http://www.sa2010.gov.za/slideshows/ellispark/ellispark008.jpg
http://www.sa2010.gov.za/slideshows/ellispark/ellispark011.jpg

Ellis Park ready to host Mandela Challenge


Ellis Park stadium will be ready to host the Nelson Mandela Challenge between Bafana Bafana and the US, in about two weeks’ time. That is despite the renovations taking place at the venue. The venue will also host the 46664 AIDS Benefit Concert on December 1.

The stadium is earmarked to host some of the 2010 World Cup matches, but it has to be ready for the Confederations Cup, which takes place a year earlier than the 2010 matches.

Areas like the Presidential Suite are already receiving a facelift. There will also be 5 000 extra seats on the northern side, a hospitality room and new changing rooms.

This is Orlando Pirates' home ground and the team will continue to use Ellis Park despite the work in progress.

With R500 million set aside, the renovations are expected to be completed by June next year.

wow this stadium (besides the roofs) looks so american

wow this stadium (besides the roofs) looks so american

Yeah it does. I do hope they choose one seat colour when they do the stadium overlay. I think it will be good to have good mix of different types of stadia. This venue hosted the 1995 rugby world cup final and its iconic in its own right.

I realy like this stadium, it´s got soul! looks a little bit like Loftus Versveld stadium in Pretoria or is it me?
More pics?

This venue hosted the 1995 rugby world cup final and its iconic in its own right.
Absolutely . . . of all the stadiums used for Rugby around the world, this is my favorite. :cheers:

One of my favourites for the 2010 WC.

Ellis Park stadium upgrade on schedule despite ongoing use
By: Dennis Ndaba
Published: 30 Nov 07 - 0:00

The R81-million refurbishment of the Ellis Park stadium, in Johannesburg, is on course for completion by the end of July next year.

The main contractor is black economically empowered construction group Rainbow Construction.

The upgrade began in September this year.

Ellis Park has been earmarked as a semifinal venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will satisfy FIFA’s requirements to host semi- and quarter-final matches, once the upgrade to the stadum has been completed.

Further, the greater Ellis Park precinct will receive a multimillion-rand upgrade over the next five years. The general area around the precinct is also set to benefit from a R2-billion upgrade.

Rainbow Construction contract director Gerald Loe tells Engineering News that one of the challenges that the company is facing is managing 30 events, such as soccer and rugby matches, during the refurbishment. To facilitate events and games at the stadium, Rainbow Construction is working longer hours; if an event takes place, work will stop early.
SPECTATOR SAFETY

“Before each game, we have to remove all rubble, since the safety of spectators is important. Another challenge is that access has been restricted, with limits to the loading capacity that we are able to impose on the existing structure, so we have not been able to make use of heavy machinery to bring in materials and remove rubble. We are using three bakkies and driving these up and down the spiral ramps,” says Loe.

The project entails the refurbishment of all existing ablution units, the construction of new ablution facilities, conference facilities, a hall of fame, a museum, a FlFA hospitality suite, seating for disabled people and club facilities.

Loe points out that 750 stadium seats have been removed to make way for 101 wheelchairs and 101 wheelchair helpers.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/2081405748_f693b693bb_b.jpg

crap, didnt even know they started.

On track for July 2008
06 Dec 2007

All of the major areas that are part of the upgrade scope have been taken over by the contractors. The main West Building which falls under the scope of Rainbow construction is fairly advanced and well on target to be finished by late July 2008. The Presidential, Conference, Platinum and Super suites are progressing very well and was used for the 46664 concert. The paraplegic seating on the South and East pavilion are near completion with hand rail detail, still outstanding. On the various ablution areas in the stadium, Rainbow is currently working on finishing detail such as paint, tiling, etc.

On the North pavilion Trencon construction has completed the 6th Level suite demolition, and the necessary floor seals have been applied in preparation for the new seating on that level. On the external ground the new lift shaft is being prepared. The parkade construction on the East which is also under the Trencon scope, is progressing with decking on the South East side being prepared for the first floor of the parkade.

Our overall programme targets look well within reach and we are set to get into 2008 with all systems go!!

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060669.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060670.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060671.jpg

By far one of my favourite stadiums! Am glad that I will be back there in 2010!

Of what exactly do the renovation works consist of?
Nice venue btw

:ohno:

^^what you on about?

I' m italian and my point of view is objective, because far from the judgement of live in South Africa.

I see fantastic stadiums (except one), very interesting and I am very glad to see how South Africa is working for this happening.

Very good impressium about the work in prograss. Thank you so much. Mo Rush.

My favourite stadium? Absolutely Durban. Very impressive.

Good luck.

:ohno:

Any problems? :bash:

Any problems? :bash:

The problem is him. South Africa will realize a fantastic Worls Championship.

By the way, and about transport, which 're the most intersting work linked to South Africa 2010?

You mean which transport development is the most interesting relating to 2010? I'd vote the Gautrain any day!

You mean which transport development is the most interesting relating to 2010? I'd vote the Gautrain any day!

Yes, I meant which are the most interesting projects built for WC 2010.

Please can give my a sort of list of transport works (if there are important projects) relating to 2010?

What is Gautrain.

Compliment again, I would like to come in S.A. in 2010. Spectacular country.

Gautrain is a high speed rail network that is currently being constructed between Joburg & Pretoria with a link to O.R Tambo international airport. It will have multiple stations inbetween the rail links to pick up & drop off passengers, you can see more about this here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=353144)

There are also many upgrades to roads being performed, such as hospital bend in Cape Town, and the planned Koeberg Interchange...as well as many others. Check out the Transport thread in the South African forum for more information.

Plenty Roads are bring upgraded in SA for 2010, as well as freeway expansions & so on. As Lydon said, feel free to visit the SA Forums to see all the new developments.

also Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban are embarking on upgrades to ensure that the current metro rail system will link with the stadiums. There are also Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects in these cities which will complement the rail projects.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070581.jpg

Construction workers continue their efforts during the FIFA 2010 World Cup representative inspection tour at the Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday Feb 18, 2007.

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080218/capt.xth10402181634.south_africa_fifa_2010_world_cup_xth104.jpg?x=400&y=261&sig=ab0YidCxXoNfVFw.Vshtdw--

FIFA 2010 World Cup representative Alain Leiblang, left, talks with delegates during their inspection tour at the Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday Feb 18, 2007

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080218/capt.xth10302181358.south_africa_fifa_2010_world_cup_xth103.jpg?x=400&y=257&sig=KiwEYjSBOSu8cemKvxOReg--

FIFA 2010 World Cup representative Alain Leiblang, right, talks with delegates during their inspection tour at the Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday Feb 18, 2007

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080218/capt.xth10202181358.south_africa_fifa_2010_world_cup_xth102.jpg?x=400&y=266&sig=duMzS7UR4vHe_V84sGGTkQ--

Construction workers continue their efforst, during the FIFA 2010 World Cup representative inspection tour at the Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday Feb 18, 2007

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080218/capt.xth10102181359.south_africa_fifa_2010_world_cup_xth101.jpg?x=400&y=262&sig=_F7k6ZxcDirc8lVxRrZG7g--

Ellis Park tour was 'a success'
Written by Ndaba Dlamini
Wednesday, 20 February 2008

Head of the inspection team, Dennis Mumble, Sibongile Mazibuko, the City's 2010 executive director, and Ron Delmont, Fifa's South African-based representative

The refurbishment of Ellis Park Stadium is on schedule, and the inspection team is confident it will be completed in time for the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup.

http://www.joburg.org.za/images/stories/2008/feb/tour001.jpg
FIFA Technical Inspection team takes a tour of Ellis Park (Photo: Gavin Barker, Backpagepix)
FIFA Technical Inspection team takes a tour of Ellis Park
(Photo: Gavin Barker, Backpagepix)

A JOINT inspection of Ellis Park Stadium by a Fifa and 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) team has been described as "successful".

The tour of the Johannesburg stadium, one of the venues for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ and Confederations Cup 2009 matches, took place on Monday, 18 February, amid controversy over alleged internal conflicts in the LOC.

LOC chairman, Irvin Khoza, and chief executive, Danny Jordaan, were on the tour, together with experts in competitions, marketing, information technology, media, stadium security and transportation.

Dennis Mumble, the head of the inspection team, said it was the sixth inspection conducted by Fifa and the LOC since construction and refurbishment of World Cup stadiums began.

"This is a regular scheduled inspection that mainly focused on the overall space planning; that is, when and how we are going to utilise any of the stadium's space during the Confederations Cup and the World Cup. The inspection tour, which all members of the team described as successful, also included discussions with stadium management."

July deadline
The R81-million upgrade of Ellis Park Stadium, earmarked as a semi-final venue for the World Cup, began in September 2007 and is expected to be finished in July this year.

http://www.joburg.org.za/images/stories/2008/feb/tour002.jpg
FIFA Technical Inspection team takes a tour of Ellis Park (Photo: Gavin Barker, Backpagepix)
FIFA Technical Inspection team takes a tour of Ellis Park
(Photo: Gavin Barker, Backpagepix)

Following Monday's visit, the team will tour five other 2009 Confederations Cup stadiums - Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, Royal Bafokeng in Rustenburg, Free State Stadium in Mangaung, Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium and Nelspruit's Mbombela Stadium.

Sibongile Mazibuko, the City's executive director in charge of 2010, said Ellis Park was one of the complex stadiums in Johannesburg, but refurbishments and upgrades in and around the stadium were going well.

"The Ellis Park precinct will move to the usage stage very soon. Construction of transport infrastructure and upgrading of local neighbourhoods is taking shape and we are confident that come 2009, everything will be ready for the Confederations Cup."

A R2-billion upgrade of the greater Ellis Park precinct is under way, ahead of the World Cup. Regeneration is taking the form of a multi-developmental project, with plans focusing on education, sports and manufacturing across Ellis Park and its neighbouring suburbs of Doornfontein, Bertrams, Bezuidenhout Valley, Troyeville, Judith's Paarl and Lorentzville.

The greater Ellis Park precinct is home to three international sports complexes - Johannesburg Stadium, Ellis Park Stadium, and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Ellis Park moves closer towards July 2008 completion date
25 Feb 2008

Coming back into 2008, the pace of the construction has picked up with the July deadline looming over us!! We have started new areas of work and other streams of the project are now in full construction mode. The following is a brief descriptive per pavilion on the nature of the construction in that area:

EAST
Behind the East stand, progressing slightly behind schedule, is the new parkade that will accommodate parking for 1100 vehicles. The ground floor of the parkade will also provide new spaces for our SAPS, Spectator Medical Facility, Procurement & Maintenance Centres and a disabled drop-off area. On the top level of the parkade, new concession areas will be built, linking into the East upper level. Within the East stand, we are nearing completion on the ablution upgrade in the various levels. We have refurbished all existing ablutions and old concessions have been changed into new improved toilet blocks. On the inner bowl, at level one we have created new paraplegic platforms. These are built throughout the South and East stands and once the handrail detail is installed, this stream of the project will be complete!!

WEST
The main west entrance is now under construction with the building works for the new façade detail going in. This will incorporate new entrances to the supporters team store, ticket office and customer services. The foyer area is also under construction and once complete, we should have in a place our own Ellis Park Stadium “hall of fame”!! Also concurrently under construction in the West building are the media, change rooms and VIP levels. The ablution upgrade in this stand is similar to the changes being made in the East.

NORTH
Hoarding has been instated across the North pavilion along North Park Lane, to allow for the new lift shaft, concourse detail, North façade and seating on the 6th level to be constructed. This area of works represents a major part of the upgrade and will result in an all new Stadium interface with the Ellis Park Precinct and the Central Square Project which is to be implemented by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) in due course.

SOUTH

Apart from the paraplegic seating on the South as mentioned under the East pavilion, nothing new has happened in the South stand.



Due to these various areas which are under construction, our event operations teams have had to make several changes to parking, spectator circulation, service operations, seat allocations etc. We trust that these constraints, which are temporary in nature, will not prevent you from enjoying your experience at the stadium and sharing in our upgrade!! Our partnership in this process will help us all reach the desired outcomes, of a new look Ellis Park Stadium, that will be able to boast world class facilities and compete with the many new stadia that are currently being built in the country.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2408/2300847178_fe77359d1f_b.jpg

http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/destination/ellispark7_39003.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/destination/ellispark6_39002.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/destination/ellispark4_39000.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/destination/ellispark2_38999.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/destination/ellispark1_38995.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/natinho/444106511_d57f1904a8_b.jpg

please remove that image.

Wow that new tier is taking shape. And with a new roof. Definitely not an excuse for a tier anymore. Congrats Springboks on their win

It is disappointing that the Ellis Park Stadium is not gonna be upgraded to 70,000. It's gonna be 5,000 less than the capacity I wanted.

62000 is perfectly fine and perhaps even well beyond what it needs for rugby.

yeh, quite surprised, the tier has grown in size, lol

Great size for football and rugby.

I noticed the new area the other day watching a bit of SA v Argentina. There's absolutely no mention of it on the Ellis Park website, which is a bit ridiculous.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2750880834_0d1e68a217_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2750882012_be72be912c_b.jpg

update

we almost won that match :crazy:

The stadium looks really good!

we almost won that match :crazy:

you know, if I only watched the 1st half I might actualy believe you!

WTF . . . Tier looks bigger than in the renders and is that a roof I see?

yip :)

they pulled one over us, I honestly thought it was a shit arse small tier, but its freeken huge! If only the otherside had one too :(

courtesy of Pule

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/P1110401.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/P1110400.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/natinho/2481534382_1d1e0af84b_o.jpg

Can't wait until finished

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/natinho/9544235ffull-lnd.jpg

sexy

Kinda reminds me of Ralph Wilson Stadium.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/natinho/9544235ffull-lnd.jpg

sexy

Indeed...and I'm not just talking about the Teamgeist...;)

Indeed...and I'm not just talking about the Teamgeist...;)

lol, thats Miss SA, 1 of the many contestants for the Miss World pagent to be hosted in SA.

Miss World contestants visit Ellis Park

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83765298.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5100FE524624643C0E30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83765182.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5E87A26FC45219667E30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83765280.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D52FCCFEC87881F8B9E30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83765287.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5949C6C61B2ED6BBBE30A760B0D811297

they also helped out with the draw for the Confed cup

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Draw

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83787252.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5C1E19DA0D6EE71CDE30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83787332.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D50BBE1D729BB07DDCE30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83787227.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D51D56C7F0F63FFA9CE30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83787156.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D54AAB92814F9542D7E30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83787325.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D547F692217670F885E30A760B0D811297

Group A

South Africa
Iraq
New Zealand
Spain


Group B

Egypt
Italy
Brazil
USA



http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83775395.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D52BB36580B7E3B79AE30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83775391.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D53B693ABF854DC2B3E30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83775390.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5DE97565C1F8ADDA1E30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83775387.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5D9131DC48679AE02E30A760B0D811297
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83775389.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D59A69DA39A9D5B2B2E30A760B0D811297

more of the stadium now :D


Ellis Park Stadium

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83786004.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5EE80356ABBDB81DDE30A760B0D811297

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83785976.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5A82378E6B8ED9F0CE30A760B0D811297

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83784032.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5B9E40E53C07F389BE30A760B0D811297

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83784027.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5D625AB720F631922E30A760B0D811297

lol, thats Miss SA, 1 of the many contestants for the Miss World pagent to be hosted in SA.



they also helped out with the draw for the Confed cup







more of the stadium now :D

Remember the body paint models they did for the 2006 World Cup? I sure hope they do those again!
:drool:

Kinda reminds me of Ralph Wilson Stadium.

weird. was thinking the exact same thing.

What is a bleacher?

i dont get the question

upgrade

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/natinho/ddd.jpg[/QUOTE]

upgrade

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/natinho/ddd.jpg[/QUOTE]

thats the roof.

thats the roof.

O RLY? :D

it's funny that some spectators are going to :lol:watch others cheeks all game long

Just stumbled over this BBC article:


SA football revels in new riches

The gleaming new stadium in Soweto is a stunning symbol of the transformation that is taking place in club football in South Africa.

The rickety open stands, the uneven playing surface and the sub-standard facilities for players and fans have been replaced by a state-of-the-art venue.
At the official opening the place was packed with 35,000 people of all ages, sexes and sizes, dressed in the black and white colours of their adored team, the Orlando Pirates.
Each and every one seemed to be blowing a long plastic brightly coloured instrument known as a vuvuzela.
The sound has been described as like a swarm of angry bees.
It was unrelenting and helped to create a terrific atmosphere in a magnificent stadium which caters for the modern, sophisticated fan.
It is the first of its kind in a South African township, but more will follow.
Almost overnight Premier League Soccer, or PSL as it is known, has become wealthy. A television contract worth in the region of $27m (£18m) a year for the next five seasons has been secured.
Clubs have attracted lucrative sponsorship deals. Players too are reaping the benefits.
The average wage has risen from $400 (£268) to $1,600 (£1,070) a month. A top player can earn as much as $20,000 (£13,380) a month.
The change has been staggering.
Not long ago South Africa's professional league was ranked 50th in the world in terms of revenue streams.
According to PSL's chairman Irvin Khoza it is now the seventh richest.
It has made him very proud, but he wants it to be a blueprint for the rest of Africa.

"It is a remarkable achievement that might act as an impetus to encourage other countries in Africa to formalise their leagues."
Mr Khoza, who is also chairman of the South African 2010 World Cup organising committee, believes he has a product capable of converting the millions of South African football fans who are obsessed with European football, especially the English Premier League.
And he hopes the money flowing into the PSL will help persuade South Africa's best players to stay.
"The income that we have generated is to make sure that we give them competitive salaries to keep them in the country."

It is a bold vision but one that does not convince everyone, even those who are closely connected with PSL.
Ted Dimitru, a former coach of South Africa's national team, is now in charge of youth development at one of the wealthiest clubs in PSL, Mamelodi Sundowns.
He is worried PSL clubs will spend their new-found wealth in the search for a quick fix, and not for long term sustainability.
"The reality is that too many clubs are not investing in youth but are buying expensive overseas players. Economically we are are ahead, technically we are behind," he says.
Mr Dimitru is an advocate of the academy system and is concerned that clubs will bring in mediocre players, at the expense of nurturing local talent, a scenario that will not help improve the quality of the national team - the 2010 World Cup hosts are in a run of terrible form.

He had this stark warning: "If we fail to ensure a proportion of the money from the next TV deal is invested in youth we will see empty stadia."

But these are heady times for youngsters who dream of one day making a living out of football in South Africa.
Sixteen-year-old Lorenzo was an excited onlooker at the grand opening of Soweto's new stadium.
He plays for the junior team at the Orlando Pirates. He is impressed with the flashy, brash image of the new look PSL, but it has not altered his ultimate ambition. "My future plans are to see myself playing overseas. I want to play with the world's best, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi."
Lorenzo's friend Kabella sits alongside, soaking up the atmosphere.
European-based football scouts have been watching him, something he has noticed. Soweto is a tough place to live and, given the opportunity, he too would leave. "There are a lot of people out there who are suffering. They don't have food as we are speaking right now," he says.
"I don't want to see myself in that situation. That's why I am willing to play overseas."
The boys' attention then quickly turns to events on the pitch.
They witnessed Orlando Pirates baptise their new stadium with a rapturously-received victory.

It was intoxicating, although it seems not enough to distract the next generation of South Africa footballers from pursuing a move abroad.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7778449.stm

Oh wow...50th to 7th richest is quite an accomplishment.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/natinho/11_030209.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/natinho/3257116231_d6d2cc280c_b.jpg

She is UGLY

Me likes! Ellis reminds me a lot of American stadiums.

I have to agree with bing222, it looks just ugly and if I'd be trully honest, I gotta say it looks also like a kind of backward stadium after failed modernisation. :|

I think it looks great, crowd is quite close to the pitch and the stands seem quite steep so should be a good stadium for football.

my memories of games at Ellis Park is that its a bit of a cold stadium and what i mean is the fan bars are drab, open places with too much exposed concrete and red face brick, no sterile in feeling and not a "fans" type of stadium whith lods of things to see (ads, old pictures of players and teams, club memrobilia on walls etc), its like you go in and out and thats it

My memories are of Joel Stransky nailing that droppie back in the 1995 World Cup and also systematically putting the boot in the balls of every Kiwi on the planet.

A glorious occasion and the end of the amateur era.

lol

Mods, we can put this stadium in "Complete section". :cheers:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3325540034_64e6d7a9cb_b.jpg

http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_720580.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E99242225C3B70F6CA62D374BBA9C6042C496ABAA2C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB294619B6DBB2C0C90B22311DD6F8EE3FC2BD8847DC8D3F1E5D65FEDA90B120DEDEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518
http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_720577.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E99242225C3B70F6CA62D374B183049BF5842674B2C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB294619B6DBB2C0C90B22311DD6F8EE3FC2BD8847DC8D3F1E4CE457B5D28E696BDEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518
http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_720576.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E99242225C3B70F6CA62D374B5B2257D654AD0DBE2C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB294619B6DBB2C0C90B22311DD6F8EE3FC2BD8847DC8D3F1E6AEE73107BB413A5DEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518
http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_720575.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E99242225C3B70F6CA62D374B9D8A2EB505D475A32C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB294619B6DBB2C0C90B22311DD6F8EE3FC2BD8847DC8D3F1E95CC3FFD9C817329DEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518
http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_720574.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E99242225C3B70F6CA62D374B5D55F831AD7DDCE62C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB294619B6DBB2C0C90B22311DD6F8EE3FC2BD8847DC8D3F1E71B592C51E53B593DEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518
http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_720573.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E99242225C3B70F6CA62D374BD75EA568728B85A92C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB294619B6DBB2C0C90B22311DD6F8EE3FC2BD8847DC8D3F1E99676D30C686FCECDEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518
http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_720569.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E992422256CECAFBB7B87614602220CEA4A8721752C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB294619B6DBB2C0C90B22311DD6F8EE3FC2BD8847DC8D3F1ED3241A738B5FE8DADEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518
http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_720563.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E992422256CECAFBB7B8761465F497474DAFBD8042C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB294619B6DBB2C0C90B22311DD6F8EE3FC2BD8847DC8D3F1E56D6083F5EBDA2A8DEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518
http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_720568.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E992422256CECAFBB7B876146B0117CEC131D961E2C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB294619B6DBB2C0C90B22311DD6F8EE3FC2BD8847DC8D3F1E25E980621D59D319DEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518

Hi guys, can anyone help me out here? The modern development of Ellis Park shows one end of the stadium being developed with another tier being put on with a roof on top of it, but in this picture here:

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/africa/south_africa/johannesburg_ellis.shtml

The top one shows another level on both sides so three levels on both ends, but for instance Mo Rush's second last post shows only two levels on the right side of the photo. It almost seems the world stadiums photo is a photoshop, I'm confused, has SA developed a third tier on both ends of the stadium? Or amd I just seeing things?

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq290/africanbiohazard/IMG_0032a.jpg

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq290/africanbiohazard/IMG_0033a.jpg

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq290/africanbiohazard/IMG_0034a.jpg

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq290/africanbiohazard/IMG_0057a.jpg

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq290/africanbiohazard/IMG_0058a.jpg

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq290/africanbiohazard/IMG_0053a.jpg

So this is the stadium that will host the final of the world cup?

So this is the stadium that will host the final of the world cup?

No, Soccer City will host the opening and final. This stadium will host the final of the Confederations Cup that is currently underway.

So this is the stadium that will host the final of the world cup?
eish

me likes her too!

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq290/africanbiohazard/IMG_0057a.jpg

Isn't that open space below the video board where a larger scoreboard is supposed to be at?

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gfw56l88Bfw2/900x.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3902593439_e581339215_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2567/3902590731_3678cd2a3b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3902594803_d49cc80fa3_b.jpg
...

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08yD8QqaqpazA/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eD23eE0EO695/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00Dd43V5bL9qO/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05X8bIEg0WdYJ/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07JV4kbcnXebS/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06nw2Vq0Iugwu/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dv090n4sR8Tj/610x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01D1b7q3bOdBn/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dbLcwSc4meBv/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02Jx15O2hM8Vn/900x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02H2bLL4iV4cx/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gn1fiX5T5bWN/x900.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01hRayn6Cvaf0/900x.jpg
..

I see that north standt rebuild, whay south standt is not rebuild on same way?! :(

Ellis Park is not a great landmark but it certainly will do well as a WC venue. Its central location and atmosphere are very good.

What is the main use of the other stadium and when was it built? Purely athletics or other sports too? Looks too big to be an athletics stadium and with Ellis Park next door, I can not see how it would get used much by rectangular sports (ie. Football (soccer) and Rugby Union)

Ellis Park is not a great landmark but it certainly will do well as a WC venue. Its central location and atmosphere are very good.

What is the main use of the other stadium and when was it built? Purely athletics or other sports too? Looks too big to be an athletics stadium and with Ellis Park next door, I can not see how it would get used much by rectangular sports (ie. Football (soccer) and Rugby Union)

It is for athletics, it was built in 92 and it was used for The Athletics World Championship.

It is for athletics, it was built in 92 and it was used for The Athletics World Championship.

Although it looks like they're having it set for either football/soccer and rugby. There are two sets of pictures, in one set, it's a fooball pitch and in the other there is a rugby pitch. If they're switching rugby/football, that means that it's also used for rectangular sports or am I mistaken.

Although it looks like they're having it set for either football/soccer and rugby. There are two sets of pictures, in one set, it's a fooball pitch and in the other there is a rugby pitch. If they're switching rugby/football, that means that it's also used for rectangular sports or am I mistaken.

I didnt notice that, now I do. How often is it used though for other sports? Athletics would not use the venue that often and definately does not need that many seats.

Normally you see the Lions rugby team practicing at the athletics stadium. (They should be practicing 24/7 :lol:)

Normally you see the Lions rugby team practicing at the athletics stadium. (They should be practicing 24/7 :lol:)
:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: Poor Lions :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Orlando Pirates also uses the stadium for training purposes. The stadium sometimes host PSL matches.

The first match to be hosted by Johannesburg Stadium was between Bafana bafana vs Germany. After that it was taken over by Kaizer Chiefs. They wanted to buy the stadium but they were turned down by the JCC

360 view of stadium:

http://worldcupstadiums.in3sixty.com/stadiums/ellis-park-stadium/

Argentina vs. Nigeria – A great match in a great stadium and the best atmosphere of the WC so far.

It is for athletics, it was built in 92 and it was used for The Athletics World Championship.

No, it was used for the Athletics World Cup. It was also used as the main stadium for the 1999 All-Africa Games.

Argentina 1-0 Nigeria

Attendance: 55,686

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4696747796_6b20f55298_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amorfar/4696747796/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4694755149_8b8112593d_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/prismatico/4694755149/

Brazil 2-1 Korea DPR

Attendance: 54,331

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4704816254_7b785cd85e_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregorrohrig/4704816254/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4704159917_8ddef04803_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregorrohrig/4704159917/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4704173837_961a0f5f57_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregorrohrig/4704173837/

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/4704784650_8d5e854d50_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregorrohrig/4704784650/

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/4704035399_fd30cf4563_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregorrohrig/4704035399/

Ellis is really beautiful and its atmosphere is great.

I can't wait for the United States to play in such a historic stadium.

GSxh-FBb7l4

very unlucky

Slovenia 2-2 USA

Attendance: 45,573

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4714088908_58d30a428a_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_bohn/4714088908/

Where the crime of the century occurred.

Where the crime of the century occurred.

Fortunately we can move on. We will beat Algeria.

Fortunately we can move on. We will beat Algeria.

We'll win the group in spite of that phantom call.

Spain 2-0 Honduras

Attendance: 54,386

Where the crime of the century occurred.

Yeah it started in 2nd minute becouse one of USA playes didnt get red or yellow card for a kick in the head with his elbow.

Slovakia 3-2 Italy :)

Attendance: 53,412

Brazil 3-0 Chile

Attendance: 54,096

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4745913262_3f089c0ddc_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/prismatico/4745913262/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4743790207_9549a82593_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crystiancruz/4743790207/

Paraguay 0-1 Spain

Attendance: 55,359

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4758478435_00963ef1fc_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16977954@N05/4758478435/

Brazil 3-0 Chile

Attendance: 54,096

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4745913262_3f089c0ddc_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/prismatico/4745913262/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4743790207_9549a82593_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crystiancruz/4743790207/

That looks a little bit dark.

Not on the telly it didnt....best playing surface of the tournament....easyily.