http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/441942381_1a2deaa7d9.jpg?v=0

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Photo00221.jpg

What's the cap? Will it be used after the WC by a local team?

Yes, Ajax CT

What's the cap? Will it be used after the WC by a local team?

its been in use for over 30 years, the upgrade began about five years ago, current capacity is 30,000 might hit 45,000 once the upgrade is comlpete.

The stadium design has been modified and re-engineered. The final design includes a roof that does not deviate too much from the existing roof. Capacity might reach 50,000.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/holiday07/DSC05923Large.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1385/1462573371_501ad82247_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2307634273_079a689a92_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/2307628069_c7f3fcb13a_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2372/2307607953_d12572d07d_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/493363559_1059c8ae1f_o.jpg

Possible final design:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/441942381_1a2deaa7d9.jpg?v=0p

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/2319043537_d76d46a831_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/2319807650_110e7683f7_b.jpg

South Stand Construction:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2386/2319851164_e590d84be8_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2319867432_988424d68d_b.jpg

North Stand Construction commences:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2319022307_dc0da3b931_b.jpg

From outside the stadium:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2319059783_8c323aaf06_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2319873660_0625518f8f_b.jpg

Whats the final capacity going to be Mo Rush? With Cape Towns World Cup stadium is there going to be a sports team to use it after the 2010 World Cup?

Its currently used by two PSL teams. Ajax Cape Town who are on top of the Premiership log and Santos. Green Point will most likely be used by Western Province Rugby.

The final capacity will be around 30,000.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2121/2342431241_3fb28462cb_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2190/2343199394_627f2bce77_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2343197024_5f31fecac7_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2343204042_a75e6c3f15_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/2342372009_ef6d0a5100_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2381/2343258750_1c74eaab5b_b.jpg

Mo Rush, thanks for the pics. I have some questions for you.

What's the concept for renovation? Rebuilding north/south stands and refurbishing west/east stands or rebuilding them all?

You said its final capaciy will be around 30K, so what's the current capacity?

crazy is cawesome, you guys are getting green point and a tennis stadium too arent you, congrats to cape town for building some cool stadia, way better place for stadia then auckland, cant even build 1 decent stadium here.

Mo Rush, thanks for the pics. I have some questions for you.

What's the concept for renovation? Rebuilding north/south stands and refurbishing west/east stands or rebuilding them all?

You said its final capaciy will be around 30K, so what's the current capacity?

The stadium has been built in phase

The first grand stand(west) was built about 3 years ago. The east grand stand was completed midway last year. The area behind the north and south stands are in construction this year, with a possibility of a roof being added over those areas in early 2009 for use as a training and warm up match venue before 2010.

I think current capacity is around 25,000 so probably just over 30,000 perhaps even 35,000. The stadium as I think I've said before is used by Ajax Cape Town, who top the Premier League in RSA and by Santos who are also quite close to the top.

Ivi- I have no clue about the status of the tennis centre. I know the urban park will be complete by 2010,but not sure if the tennis stadium will start construction before or after 2010. Even if its built before 2010 I don't think it will be very large, perhaps 3,000 seats.

Other venues being built in Cape Town include a new BMX centre, upgrades to the velodrome, softball stadium, hockey stadium and others.

The first grand stand(west) was built about 3 years ago. The east grand stand was completed midway last year. The area behind the north and south stands are in construction this year, with a possibility of a roof being added over those areas in early 2009 for use as a training and warm up match venue before 2010.

-------------------------------------------------------------

According to wikipedia, athlone stadium was built in 1972 but judging from what you said it seems it is being constructed since 3 years ago. I'm a little confused. What was it like before then?

"Green Point will most likely be used by Western Province Rugby" -> according to wikipedia again, Western Province uses Newlands Stadium with more than 50K capacity for their rugby match and according to you, Ajax Cape Town and Santos use Athlone stadium with more than 30K capacity for their football match now . In this situation I don't understand why Cape Town is contructing another stadiums with the capacity of 68K. If Green Point goes to Western Province as you said what happens to Newsland Stadium?

athlone was a in a terrible condition before this upgrade. just had a terrible main grand stand.

newlands will be demolished as WP rugby are in serious debt. green point will be reduced to 55,000. the stadium will have an international/local operator and will sell naming rights regardless of the fact that WP rugby might move to the stadium.

The city is being pro-active rather than reactive.

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Ath_Nov_27_08_d.jpg
http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Ath_Nov_27_08_c.jpg
http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Ath_Nov_27_08_a.jpg
http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Ath_Nov_27_08_b.jpg

hey..this venue is under construction, not completed!

Athlone Stadium was originally built in 1972. When the stadium gets completed, the seating capacity will be over 40,000.

Athlone Stadium was originally built in 1972. When the stadium gets completed, the seating capacity will be over 40,000.

under 40,000.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/athloneseatingplan.jpg

http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-1-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-2-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-3-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-4-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-5-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-6-l.jpg

its got a kop!

Would look so much better if the stands were uniform.

thats one opinion.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_6eoYUbDhias/SQz5-oh18dI/AAAAAAAABnI/xJuuMZXulhs/08-109%20SA%20Capetown%20rugby%20stadium%20.jpg

New Stadium Setting Development Pace for Athlone



Athlone Stadium, together with the related community facilities, is envisaged to serve as a catalyst for the improvement and upgrade of the surrounding commercial and residential areas

Set to be a preeminent sporting complex for major events in Cape Town, the Athlone Soccer Stadium is poised to score a remarkable statement just in time for the 2010 World Cup. Located in Athlone, a suburb of Cape Town, 20 minutes from the CBD, the stadium’s construction commenced with the West Stand and portions of the east stand in 2000 and was completed in 2001 and 2007 respectively. The portions of the South and North stands, currently under construction, will be completed in February 2009 and June 2009 respectively, when the current overall project budget allocation is expended.

The stadium is within walking distance from the Athlone Station and Athlone CBD and has the extra convenience of the N2 freeway being 5 minutes away. It was this accessibility that had the stadium designated as Cape Town’s World Cup Venue in 2005 prior to the selection of Green Point Stadium in 2006. The completed stadium will accommodate 30,000 spectators with extensive multi-function facilities.


Background

The original Athlone Stadium, completed in the 1970s, comprised a soccer pitch, athletics track, the “old” West Stand and earth berms on the remaining 3 sides with seating capacity of 20,000. Aside from soccer and athletics for schools and clubs, it also served as a community facility (rallies, carnivals, etc).

In the 1990’s, funding became available to upgrade the stadium for improved community facilities and to serve its new purpose as a soccer “home” for clubs such as Santos and Ajax. The new and upgraded facilities provide for extensive “multifunction” spaces for uses such as display, product launches, conferences, functions, weddings all of which adds to the community ownership of the multipurpose stadium.

A total of 30 private suites (each seating 25 persons) will serve to support the business plan through income generated from sales or leasing. In addition to supporting soccer, the new, modern soccer stadium and the related community facilities, is envisaged to serve as a catalyst for the improvement and upgrade of the surrounding commercial and residential areas. The stadium is located on Klipfontein Road, which is designated as a development corridor for commercial and retail developments and should contribute towards this aim.

To the east of the stadium, stakeholders in the existing soccer, cricket fields, as well as a swimming pool; anxiously anticipate the upgrading and improvement of their facilities as part of an overall “sports precinct” plan.

Design

From the outset, the architects were tasked with a design that allows for phased completion as determined by available funding. At the same time, the final completed stadium needed to reflect unison and enclose the field on all sides. The trend by soccer stadia in the UK employing steel arches to suspend roofs has been incorporated in Athlone Stadium’s design. Besides economy of design, the steel arches provide a powerful ‘landmark’ feature. The requirement to allow phased construction is also addressed as roofs can be constructed independently of the concrete seating tiers below. The concrete structure for seating tiers follows the normal practice utilising concrete frame structure and raking beams with precast seating tiers.

Challenges

The limited budget and specific cash flow requirements considerably added to the time and cost management of the project. For example, the common problem of ‘slippage’ (under-spending of budgets by government departments) is often at odds with normal contractual procedure, where delay in the contract completion/progress causes the certification to slow down.

At the same time, City of Cape Town BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) policies are to be met with the attendant challenges regarding capacity and delivery. The first contract on the South Stand slowed down to the extent that the contract had to be ceded to another contractor in order to maintain continuity and spending. Currently the portions of North and South Stands under construction are proceeding well and are within schedule and budget. In order to address the impact of excessive winds, extensive wind studies were conducted and the architects incorporated design features to counter detrimental effects of winds.

Despite the associated challenges involved in the stadium’s construction, the project has and will continue to be a source of employment for many locals and transform the economy of the area.

Project Team

Architects: Jonker Barnes Architects & mlh Architects (in association)

Structural Engineers:Asch & Axis Structural Engineers

Electrical Engineers:Goesain Johardian & Associates

Mechanical Engineers:B.Nair & Associates

Quantity Surveyors:LDM Quantity Surveyors

Any webcams

unfortunately not.

Athlone Stadium closed for pitch renovation

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/PublishingImages/News%20Images/Athlone_stad_s.jpg

Athlone Stadium has been closed for the remainder of 2009, in order for a new grass pitch to be laid and the upgrading of the spectator stands to be finalised before the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

The stadium will serve as a practice venue during the World Cup, and the City of Cape Town wants to ensure that the facilities and pitch will be in pristine condition.

Cape Town Premier Soccer League teams Ajax Cape Town and Santos will use Newlands Rugby Stadium as their home ground for the remainder of the 2009 season. The closure of the stadium was communicated to both teams well ahead of time, allowing them to make the necessary arrangements.

“The grass pitch has to be reconstructed and this is not only a complicated procedure, but it will also require a lengthy period for the pitch to establish before we can safely use it for soccer,” says Gert Bam, Director: Sport, Recreation & Amenities.

It is unlikely that the pitch will be in use before November 2009, he said. Numerous factors have to be taken into account, such as how well the new grass establishes; what effect the winter weather will have on it and the length of time it will take to level the field after the first growth phase.

Ajax Cape Town is accustomed to playing at Newlands, having used it as their home ground before playing at Athlone Stadium.

In a recent interview, Santos Chief Operations Officer Endries Burton told Kick Off magazine that playing at Newlands is a disadvantage to the team, especially in terms of getting fans there, “but we have to look at the bigger picture as Cape Town gets ready to host the world’s biggest single sporting event”.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/DSCF0033.jpg

March 4

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Mar_04_09_a.jpg

hmm, this looks like a copy of a stadium i know all too well.. thomond park limerick ireland, capacity 26,500http://www.flickr.com/photos/gerardhoran/2220586192/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardtoolan/2912521015/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/25559463@N04/2916502380/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adrian73/3215236582/

hmm, this looks like a copy of a stadium i know all too well.. thomond park limerick ireland, capacity 26,500http://www.flickr.com/photos/gerardhoran/2220586192/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardtoolan/2912521015/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/25559463@N04/2916502380/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adrian73/3215236582/

Which looks like a ground I know all too well!

The design was ready in 1999, with construction starting in 2000 on Phase 1.

When was the Thomond Park unveiled?

The design was ready in 1999, with construction starting in 2000 on Phase 1.

When was the Thomond Park unveiled?


The design of both these stadiums originates from the Galpharm stadium in Huddersfield, completed in 1994. The original concept was called a "stadium for the nineties" and released in 1991, all the details are in Simon Inglis's book. When the stadium was built a consultancy was set up to advise on stadium development. There are quite a few stadiums that are an adaptation of this design:
Qwest field Seattle - A delegation came over to Huddersfield to view the stadium
Sydney Olympic stadium - Designed by the same team.
Kobe wing.

The design of both these stadiums originates from the Galpharm stadium in Huddersfield, completed in 1994. The original concept was called a "stadium for the nineties" and released in 1991, all the details are in Simon Inglis's book. When the stadium was built a consultancy was set up to advise on stadium development. There are quite a few stadiums that are an adaptation of this design:
Qwest field Seattle - A delegation came over to Huddersfield to view the stadium
Sydney Olympic stadium - Designed by the same team.
Kobe wing.

Thanks. Thats nice to know.

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/May_11_09_h.jpg

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/17_July_09_j%20copy.gif (http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/17_July_09_j.jpg)

completed?

Maybe

Maybe

Roof?

Hi Guys,

Any updates?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3865102796_f39104cdff_o.jpg

Seems like the stadium won't be symmetrical!

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Ath_31_Aug_09_a.jpghttp://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Ath_31_Aug_09_b.jpghttp://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Ath_31_Aug_09_c.jpghttp://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Ath_31_Aug_09_d.jpghttp://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/PublishingImages/Stadium%20construction/Ath_31_Aug_09_e.jpg

As it is now, it looks like a mini ANZ Stadium :
http://www.panstadia.com/vol6/64c-big.jpg
http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/ADVG/390~Mini-Me-Goldmember-Posters.jpg

Stadium remains practice venue despite gang wars (http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5219322) http://vne-resource.iol.co.za/6/images/locked.gif

2009-10-27 14:00:01 Edition 2
THE ATHLONE Stadium will remain a World Cup practice venue despite being situated in the centre of what could soon become a gang war zone.

Stadium remains practice venue despite gang wars (http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5219322) http://vne-resource.iol.co.za/6/images/locked.gif

2009-10-27 14:00:01 Edition 2
THE ATHLONE Stadium will remain a World Cup practice venue despite being situated in the centre of what could soon become a gang war zone.

Look at the bright side, the police station is about a 2 min drive from athlone stadium.

Its never IMO been a dangerous area as such

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4329879379_4dbbd929ec_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/buddyicons/43412881@N06.jpg?1255098002#43412881@N06 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruce-camera/) Uploaded on February 4, 2010 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruce-camera/archives/date-posted/2010/02/04/)
by smee.bruce (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruce-camera/)

http://www.backpagepix.co.za/live/imgadmin/getimage.php?id=349357&type=chttp://www.backpagepix.co.za/live/imgadmin/getimage.php?id=349366&type=chttp://www.backpagepix.co.za/live/imgadmin/getimage.php?id=349363&type=chttp://www.backpagepix.co.za/live/imgadmin/getimage.php?id=348986&type=chttp://www.backpagepix.co.za/live/imgadmin/getimage.php?id=349005&type=chttp://www.backpagepix.co.za/live/imgadmin/getimage.php?id=349014&type=chttp://www.backpagepix.co.za/live/imgadmin/getimage.php?id=349032&type=c

what happened to the cap?

Ran out of money for the top of the one stand behind the goal

So it will stay at 26k?
Cap is under 30k :)

So it will stay at 26k?
Cap is under 30k :)

26k now but 30k in the future :)

So cap. of the project is 30k :)

License http://l.yimg.com/g/images/cc_icon_attribution_small.gifhttp://l.yimg.com/g/images/cc_icon_noncomm_small.gifhttp://l.yimg.com/g/images/cc_icon_noderivs_small.gif (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/) Some rights reserved (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/) by smee.bruce (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruce-camera/)

image hosted on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/)
image hosted on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4984390720_6cd541f624_z.jpgimage hostedimage hosted on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4983832483_e2da706344_z.jpg on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/)
image hosted on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/4984443270_fd3fdf3633_z.jpgimage hosted on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/)
image hosted on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4983783309_e54b149c19_z.jpgimage hosted on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/)
image hosted on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4983805773_b8dbbd13ae_z.jpg

Same license as below.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Athlone_8349_50_51_fused.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Athlone_8346_7_8_fused.jpg

http://rupertnelphotography.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Athlone-Stadium.jpg

They ran out of money, but the north and south stands were meant to look like this, so hopefully someday they will.



http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-1-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-2-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-3-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-4-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-5-l.jpg
http://www.a-w.co.za/images/athlone-stadium-tv-6-l.jpg

http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/FIFA2010/PublishingImages/AthloneT_aa.jpg

This one, reminds me Stade Vélodrome, of Marselle. Quite similar.