I think it's the portion that's gonna be used by the media, I stand to be corrected.

WOW Puls, wonderful pics man. This is awsome you lucky fish. how did you get in there! ... And ofcourse, you are right, that portion is for the media.

Can't wait to see what it looks like lit up at night!

Some of the first construction photos of Soccer City that I took

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1040064.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1040063.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Picture008.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Picture007.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Picture005.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Picture004.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1040382.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1040065.jpg

shit Pule, thats some major transformation! I remember those pics like it were yesterday!

Nice Pule! It's amazing to see the transformation.

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss302/P_Sy/P1210046.jpg

Thats a great pic pule! I love it! You know this piece of art really rubs it in those anti-vuvuzela, eurocentric ideologists who will be coming for the world cup. And of course our very own rented out instant fans who have never attedended a Football match in their gated little suburban lives. Im definately bringing my vuvuzela in every wc match Im attending next year. "Siyabangena"!

.....rented out instant fans...."Siyabangena"!

LMFAO

Lol, Kwezi you are a racist!!!

ive honestly had enough of this guy...

im so amazed that he hasnt been banned yet... its people like him that this country could do without... Julius Malema must be your idol
khwezi, you must definitely have been bullied when you were younger so severely that you now resort to being a racist over a computer where noone can get to you

the funniest thing is once you have read my post you'll pull out your thesaurus/dictionary (attempting to sound intelligent, when your actually just coming off plain stupid) and try conjure up some statement that makes so sense at all

Khwezi enjoys rattling the cage. He waxes his polemical rant to lure us into a strawman debate. The beer-drinking "pale" folk from the gated suburbs are an easy target for stereotype. But where is the ubuntu in his silly little diatribe? Where is the sense that this World Cup can be a positive catalyst for unifying people? Sport unlike most things in life has that incredible ability.

By being fixated in the dichotomous nature of S.African political discussions around issus of race, our dear friend Khwezi is in danger of missing the bigger picture - that people are people through people.

To Khwezi - celebrate the humanity that this World Cup represents - so bring your vuvuzela, bring your bratwurst (if that's what you like) ..but come and enjoy the game with your fellow S.Africans, and your fellow humans.

Khwezi enjoys rattling the cage. He waxes his polemical rant to lure us into a strawman debate. The beer-drinking "pale" folk from the gated suburbs are an easy target for stereotype. But where is the ubuntu in his silly little diatribe? Where is the sense that this World Cup can be a positive catalyst for unifying people? Sport unlike most things in life has that incredible ability.

By being fixated in the dichotomous nature of S.African political discussions around issus of race, our dear friend Khwezi is in danger of missing the bigger picture - that people are people through people.

To Khwezi - celebrate the humanity that this World Cup represents - so bring your vuvuzela, bring your bratwurst (if that's what you like) ..but come and enjoy the game with your fellow S.Africans, and your fellow humans.

Definitely one of the better posts i've read on this on this site. Now that's an example of how to use the English language cleverly without sounding pompous. Thank you AB

What I find really interesting looking at the photos Pule put up of the early construction of SC is that there is no One protocol for building stadia. This might be obvious but its kinda strange yet cool that while Soccer city had already started working on part of the top tier before even the whole base of the stadium was finished, Moses Mabhida was totally finished with all its decor before they began work on their third tier. And while Nelson Mandela had the grass put in long before the roof was installed, at Cape Town we were wondering if the field side advertising boards were going to appear before the greening finally started! Makes for a very interesting two years of fascinating engineering entertainment!

Khwezi enjoys rattling the cage. He waxes his polemical rant to lure us into a strawman debate. The beer-drinking "pale" folk from the gated suburbs are an easy target for stereotype. But where is the ubuntu in his silly little diatribe? Where is the sense that this World Cup can be a positive catalyst for unifying people? Sport unlike most things in life has that incredible ability.

By being fixated in the dichotomous nature of S.African political discussions around issus of race, our dear friend Khwezi is in danger of missing the bigger picture - that people are people through people.

To Khwezi - celebrate the humanity that this World Cup represents - so bring your vuvuzela, bring your bratwurst (if that's what you like) ..but come and enjoy the game with your fellow S.Africans, and your fellow humans.

Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing my prodigy. Its startling how much of an inspiration my grand eloquence has been to sane members of these threads.

Is it possible to vote someone out SSC? this dude is irritating

^^ need to report to Mod to ban him.

^^ I have done ot already, guys remeber to you the RED TRIANGLE to ask the mod to ban him and his IP.

What I find really interesting looking at the photos Pule put up of the early construction of SC is that there is no One protocol for building stadia. This might be obvious but its kinda strange yet cool that while Soccer city had already started working on part of the top tier before even the whole base of the stadium was finished, Moses Mabhida was totally finished with all its decor before they began work on their third tier. And while Nelson Mandela had the grass put in long before the roof was installed, at Cape Town we were wondering if the field side advertising boards were going to appear before the greening finally started! Makes for a very interesting two years of fascinating engineering entertainment!

Well with regards to Soccer City, the contractors had to demolish part of the existing structure & begin work on the first tier. They did how ever start work on the support structure of the 3rd tier seeing as they had to utilise parts of the exisiting supports and add new ones.

here we go :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:


http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bLqalj0Zi6dQ/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01OogIT4F06IW/900x.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01iL0BZ15SelG/900x.jpg

OMW!!!! i'm ab to faint! Specular!!!!

Maybe I am just in a good mood, maybe its this wine, but...Khwezi really doesn't bother me that much...
I dont really know that we could or should ban him, frankly - I mean, he may irritate some on here, but he/she hasn't really said anything, like, totally SCHOCKING and negative.

Just dont respond to the posts that beg for an argument - and lets see if he/she has anything constructive to say...

Posted that before I saw those photos - everything else seems irrelevant now.

Tears. Tears of joy. More wine...

WOOOOOW. awesome stuff!!!

sweet j*sus

OH MY GOODNESS GREATIOUS ME... She's alive.... And that Orange roof - unbelievable!.

I actually didn't realise there were so many gaps.

O.....M.....G !!!!!

what a sight !
thank God i got tickets to watch a game during the WC here

cant wait !!!

:dance:

The great one has been waiting in bated breath for a night shot of the African Collosium and I must say, like a blind date with yourstruly it has not disappointed!

:banana::banana::banana:This thread's finest hour thus far...JUST SPECTACULAR

Maybe I am just in a good mood, maybe its this wine, but...Khwezi really doesn't bother me that much...
I dont really know that we could or should ban him, frankly - I mean, he may irritate some on here, but he/she hasn't really said anything, like, totally SCHOCKING and negative.

Just dont respond to the posts that beg for an argument - and lets see if he/she has anything constructive to say...

I gracefuly concure. That is the power that the great one possesss, to manipulate and decorate colourful language without necessary being blatantly brutal but still fill words with venomous spite.

O.....M.....G !!!!!

what a sight !
thank God i got tickets to watch a game during the WC here

cant wait !!!

i'm going to the 2nd round game here :)

Looks good. Will look even better once landscaping is complete and the lights (surroundings) are switched on.

:uh::applause: This is unbelievable im over the moon. The roof is...oh my gosh!

What I find really interesting looking at the photos Pule put up of the early construction of SC is that there is no One protocol for building stadia. This might be obvious but its kinda strange yet cool that while Soccer city had already started working on part of the top tier before even the whole base of the stadium was finished, Moses Mabhida was totally finished with all its decor before they began work on their third tier. And while Nelson Mandela had the grass put in long before the roof was installed, at Cape Town we were wondering if the field side advertising boards were going to appear before the greening finally started! Makes for a very interesting two years of fascinating engineering entertainment!

emirates stadium completed the top tier before even beginning the first 2

trying to imagine what we would have said if somebody showed us these images the day we won the bid.

the use of light at our big 3 venues is perfect for each venue and really brings each of them to life.

It's gorgeous! I've got a question though... the horizontal/'equatorial' ring where there are no random holes for lights - is there a structural reason for that or is it something symbolic like the vertical lines pointing to the other stadia and Germany?

Amazing stadium..

Super-freakin-fantastic! How cool is that? We undoubtedly have the best collection of stadiums ever show-cased at a world cup. SC + MM + CTS + Mbom. + Polok. + NMB = awesomeness!

Mama mia This is wonderful. I have those pics saved in my machine now

mama mia.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8388971.stm

cool video. don't like the tunnel though. should have been a clean finish.

woooow the people with the "cheap seats" still have a great view. fantastica:cheers:
lol also had to complement the italian joke hahaha :)
the tunnel looks like crap though...

This stadium is gonna look good at night, better than moses and green point.

This stadium is gonna look good at night, better than moses and green point.

We'll have to wait and see - looking forward to it, although right now for me, nothing beats the glow of CTS at night :)

I also don't like the tunnel, and the WC / Closets certainly needed more colours, it looks like a Hospital all in white.

the tunnel is not finished yet, i dont like the dressing room it looks smallish.

We'll have to wait and see - looking forward to it, although right now for me, nothing beats the glow of CTS at night :)

there are night pics on the previous page.

Does anyone know when is the first test event on this amazing Calabash?

Does anyone know when is the first test event on this amazing Calabash?

I heard that Chiefs Vs Pirates, the derby. I am not sure about the date, but i think it is begining of February. I saw Danny Jordaan being interviewed on CNN, and the interviewer said FIFA was worried about Soccer city. Then Jordan said the stadium was the first one to be completed. It was that the stadium had not host the test match. He said the work inside the stadium is done, They are just working on the landscaping outside.

I am worried about these Networks, seriously. i think they are here to report bad things about this world cup. I saw again during the day showing people burning tires and protesting. and i asked myself, where is the link? Those people were not protesting against the world Cup, but CNN is trying to justify that these people are not happy about the World Cup being held in here.


There is too many things positive to report about, but they always focus on the negative or try to create negatives.

from bbc sports page

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46825000/jpg/_46825859_panoramasc776.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46825000/jpg/_46825860_woodsc776.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46825000/jpg/_46825973_turnstilesc766.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46825000/jpg/_46825975_insidesc766.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46825000/jpg/_46825976_seatsc766.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46825000/jpg/_46825978_roofsc766.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46825000/jpg/_46825979_pitchside766.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46825000/jpg/_46825971_chimney766.jpg

great pics. and the pitch looks superb.

i just heard on cnn's 2010 update, some fifa top guy said that SS will only be ready in march ???
he said that it was the most advanced stadiium, but now has fallen behind.

is that true ?

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46849000/jpg/_46849643_soccercity766.jpg

an ironic picture of a rainbow over the rainbow nation

from the bbc

Brazil vs Ivory coast baby! what a game!!!!

Brazil vs Ivory coast baby! what a game!!!!

this will be the THE game. Althought i'm brazilian, i'll be supporting ivory coast in this game. i hope they qualify. i dont see them losing to portugal.

ps. imagine this huge stadium, already orange inside, with all the ivory coast supporters. man, it will be awesome. :lol:

Fabulous - I have 4 tickets - Cat 1 - for the Brazil vs Ivory Coast ...will be amazing!

i just heard on cnn's 2010 update, some fifa top guy said that SS will only be ready in march ???
he said that it was the most advanced stadiium, but now has fallen behind.

is that true ?

I also heard this story - not sure what to make of it. Surely they mean some of the technical issues that need completion? The stadium is definitely 99% done already.

Gracias por semejantes fotos tan hermosas del estadio donde se jugarán el partido inaugural (Sudafrica Mexico (http://olimpicos1.blogspot.com/2009/12/sudafrica-mexico.html)) y el final de la copa mundo Sudafrica 2010. Las tomas son excelentes.

Gracias por semejantes fotos tan hermosas del estadio donde se jugarán el partido inaugural (Sudafrica Mexico (http://olimpicos1.blogspot.com/2009/12/sudafrica-mexico.html)) y el final de la copa mundo Sudafrica 2010. Las tomas son excelentes.
engles por favor

Gracias por semejantes fotos tan hermosas del estadio donde se jugarán el partido inaugural (Sudafrica Mexico (http://olimpicos1.blogspot.com/2009/12/sudafrica-mexico.html)) y el final de la copa mundo Sudafrica 2010. Las tomas son excelentes.

Translation:
"Thanks for such beautiful pictures of the stadium where the opening match will be played (South Africa Mexico) and the final of the World Cup South Africa 2010. The shots are excellent."

Gracias, Angeleulises!

De donde eres? Colombia?

Gracias por semejantes fotos tan hermosas del estadio donde se jugarán el partido inaugural (Sudafrica Mexico (http://olimpicos1.blogspot.com/2009/12/sudafrica-mexico.html)) y el final de la copa mundo Sudafrica 2010. Las tomas son excelentes.

IS IT!! LOL

Si, así es...

gracias por la traducción...

great photos....:)

me gusta este estadio, es uno de mis favoritos,
falta poco para la gran fiesta mundial del futbol.

great photos....:)

me gusta este estadio, es uno de mis favoritos,
falta poco para la gran fiesta mundial del futbol.

Tiene razón, es muy bello y el nerviosismo por la cercanía de la inauguración del mundial 2010 a muchos nos tiene en ascuas.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0e7Xf2Y0kG0xD/900x.jpg

what a giant stadium.

thats a magic shot

WOW!

Looking great! :tongue3:

What else is left to complete of the stadium itself though - is it only the strips of artificial turf being laid next to the pitch itself? Because apart from that the stadium itself seems pretty much complete.

Furthermore, does anyone know how far they have progressed with the landscaping? Since that seems to be the part that is taking so painstakingly long to complete...

WOW!

Wow X2

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0c7X8Tf7xD6Ks/900x.jpg

^^ real or photoshopping?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/buddyicons/38688127@N08.jpg?1243084844#38688127@N08 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raygoss/) Uploaded on December 8, 2009 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raygoss/archives/date-posted/2009/12/08/)
by raygoss (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raygoss/)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/4169202831_a8d6fcea2d_b.jpg
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/4169968702_c48b63c1f4_b.jpg

I LOVE the spaciousness! ness! It looks like you're outdoors but you're actually protected from the elements! 11/10

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/4169202233_cc8798cb21_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/4169201223_1888b32a90_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4169964676_94bceb6a16_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4169966388_7eb40cfbcf_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4169969420_397d6497e3_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/4169206795_e92240d6e2_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4169207633_f91b705461_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/4169207959_6104e50358_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/4169970306_f747267535_b.jpg

^^ unbelievable snaps Mo!!

How come they had to dig up the turf around the periphery of the pitch? I thought it might be because they're laying artificial turf there, but it seems like an awfully large area for artificial turf, in fact, it seems to overlap the playing area itself. Drainage problems, perhaps? If anyone can inform me I'd be grateful, as I'm at a loss as to why it was necessary, especially at a time when the stadium should already be finished! :dunno:

really like the pictures... awesome stadium inside and out.
where would CAT1 ticket holders be seated? any idea?

i agree with thebaldbandit. but i don't wanna question the engineering of the stadiums any more. always turns out to be wonderful.
the emirates has a similar spacing area though. the playing area is strictly grass, then there's a dark green artificial turf for the technical area, then there's this kinda red turf, where the players sit. really soft. so i guess the ground staff is going for something similar to that

i agree with thebaldbandit. but i don't wanna question the engineering of the stadiums any more. always turns out to be wonderful.
the emirates has a similar spacing area though. the playing area is strictly grass, then there's a dark green artificial turf for the technical area, then there's this kinda red turf, where the players sit. really soft. so i guess the ground staff is going for something similar to that

This stadium was the first to be completed, structure wise. But it seems to be taking for ever to complete the landscape and the grass layout.

i think the electronic and other technical and IT related stuff is taking longer because it's such a big structure.

magnificent pics, thanks for the find Mo!

They were going crazy :rant: for the updates. Agent Mo :gunz: reloaded & came out with all gunz blazin' :guns1:. Now they're can't control themselves :nuts:. :rofl: Now everybody can rejoice :drunk:.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0c7X8Tf7xD6Ks/900x.jpg

That looks freakin awesome :nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

Those pics are out of this world!!

saw them this morning on my 19" now seeing them again on my brand new 24" widescreen is making me shed a tear!

welcome the the club durby;)

http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_759187.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E99242225038613031429DBB6D556429D10DE30F72C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB9E2A08C80B994AA8B34F5913E4994572E6E33C9BE77A2835F11B0C34260CBE40DEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bZF5Ghb9h3lS/1000x.jpg

Big Mo still doing his thang...keep it up....

I told you guys that this stadium is gonna be something else at night. To me, best 2010 stadium under the lights.

welcome the the club durby;)

haha thanks, but should be better at home on my 50" :D

If you compare Wembley and Soccer City, Wembley is slightly closer along the sidelines but SC is closer behind the goals. In addition the furthest seat at Wembley appears to be further from the field than the furthest seat at SC.

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq159/tadpolefarm/Soccer%20City/SCWM.jpg

by 200 rands, the security allowed brazilian reporters to enter at SC:

http://esporte.uol.com.br/album/091210soccer_city_album.jhtm?abrefoto=12

lol, for real? nothing a bride cant fix

DB, please send me that article as it's clocked here.

not an article Puls, just pics in a flash slide show, nothing we havent seen

Oh, ok. Thanks buddy. I hope the security bribe thin won't cuase problems.

Both Wemberley and SC are magnificent stadiums!! well done :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/4194855093_e69278f645_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/4194855091_df507bd515_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/4194855087_bd8f5dd510_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2578/4194855081_7827d11026_b.jpg

^^ good pics.
but what are they planning to do with the surroundings of the stadium ? still a lot of beautification work to be done.

^^ That's amazing progress with the surroundings ..trust me, it was a massive disaster zone - now its' being nicely tamed. Still some work to go though

http://www.gilesridley.com/shop/images/02.jpg

The mother ship has landed!

The mother ship has landed!

indeed!

Does anyone know if there's going to be any test events(matches or concerts) before the world cup?

Would be kinda cool for the Chiefs vs Pirates game in Feb to be staged here. Definite capacity crowd!

Anyone know whats cooking now in this Calabash? its been quiet from last year.

^^ landscaping is almsot done Ruls, I passed there today and too some pics. Will post once I get hold of USB cable.

The stadium is looking brilliant in its surroundings. Now, you can really grasp the earthiness of the facade colouring and how it compliments the earth around the stadium. Yes, there will be landscaping and grass etc., but glad they embraced the red-earth of Gauteng, rather than compete with it.

Now, lets just hope the powers that be remember to water the plants, trees and grass a lot from April onwards so that the Highveld frosts don't turn everything brown before the World Cup. :)

Taken yesterday

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/4240665121_ebb786959d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/4240665123_25d15a0040_b.jpg

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2672/4241469964_a05189ff03_b.jpg

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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4241469982_d94fbf0111_b.jpg

Nasrec Train Station
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4241469976_c6e3cc875a_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4241469990_d0728d841c_b.jpg

Ampitheatre

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4241587300_2c8beb122e_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4241587314_d87abb03fc_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4241587244_06ab1a7440_b.jpg



Johannesburg CBD's skyline, Coca Cola Tower and the Calabash

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4241587276_613fceb533_b.jpg



Stadium view from outside of Nasrec.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4241587296_200bb45ee6_b.jpg


Beautification

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4241587240_f50441bd22_b.jpg

Looking fabulous Pule. What's happenning on the Soweto side?

......Wow....I am shaking in my breaches! mogaetsho, tiro e ntle...ke nako! I am so proud to be South African and if I can use Ms Prejan's quote, "I am glad that we live in a land where we can choose between same sexy stadiums and opposite sexy stadiums.....but in my family I was raised to believe that WC 2010 should be between Soccercity and Joburg, no offense to anybody out there......" Bravo Johannesburg. This city is really kicking asses! I live in Cape Town, but please, between Gautrain and its buses, Gauteng Highways, Rea Vaya, OR Tambo and Soccercity, this city means business and is ready to welcome the world!

Looking fabulous Pule. What's happenning on the Soweto side?

Thanks Marco, tar roads and grass planting are being completed.

......Wow....I am shaking in my breaches! mogaetsho, tiro e ntle...ke nako! I am so proud to be South African and if I can use Ms Prejan's quote, "I am glad that we live in a land where we can choose between same sexy stadiums and opposite sexy stadiums.....but in my family I was raised to believe that WC 2010 should be between Soccercity and Joburg, no offense to anybody out there......" Bravo Johannesburg. This city is really kicking asses! I live in Cape Town, but please, between Gautrain and its buses, Gauteng Highways, Rea Vaya, OR Tambo and Soccercity, this city means business and is ready to welcome the world!
Thanks mogaesho, Joburg is definately on it's way up there...it's just a pity that not all stake holders are committed to the change but we shall overcome.

Thanks for the pics Pule. they are wonderfull. Nice work on the landscaping

And hornestly the city itself (CBD) has done a lot in terms of referbs over the past 3 years. hats off.

Shite! thats mind blowing! weldone!

Gorgeous pics Pule... thanks for the effort and amazing perspectives. It is looking really classy! :cheers:

Thanks guys, I think the heli tour is really due now.

Great pictures Pule

The stadium is looking brilliant in its surroundings. Now, you can really grasp the earthiness of the facade colouring and how it compliments the earth around the stadium. Yes, there will be landscaping and grass etc., but glad they embraced the red-earth of Gauteng, rather than compete with it.

SO true Annman and the pics i have just posted does prove this point.



Thanks Tad.

Thanks guys, I think the heli tour is really due now.

Let's do it Puls!

Amazing!

Let's do it Puls!

I'm in Marco, when can we do it. I need to know in time.

Fantastic pics! Thanks for keeping us informed. The place is looking great. I hope they keep up the greening because in winter, Josies gets very dry and the grass, yellow.

Thanks forr the photos Pule. Loving the landscape, just a bit dissapointed on the Nasrec Station, for it looks cheap, although the design is cool ( in the renders looked much nicer ).

sent some of these pics to my relatives in UK, they're blown away by it seeing that they visited FNB stadium when they came here 7 years ago.

...just a bit dissapointed on the Nasrec Station, for it looks cheap, although the design is cool ( in the renders looked much nicer ).

They's probably paint it in a way that will make it look more interesting.

Thanks forr the photos Pule. Loving the landscape, just a bit dissapointed on the Nasrec Station, for it looks cheap, although the design is cool ( in the renders looked much nicer ).

:) I hope they will spread the word...

http://www.sport24.com/var/plain_site/storage/images/football/diaporamas/ambiance-coupe-du-monde-2010/fnb-stadium/5522229-1-fre-FR/FNB-Stadium_diaporama.jpg
courtesy Sport24.com

^^ what is that whitish streak on the top of that pic?

incoming ICBM

Fireworks rehersal from Football Gods :)

...or great Photoshopping skill by Mo Rush. I seem to recall the original image minus the meteor in an earlier post. :lol:

I dont think it was done by Mo, that pic surfaced after the Jhb meteor incedent. but deff a photoshop

Does any one know when they will have a practice match at soccer city.

^^ what is that whitish streak on the top of that pic?

SA Airlink a/c?

not sure if video was already post.....sorry in advance

lxUHLa_gM20

Fots 10 Dec
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When was these images taken? I thought the stadium itself was completely finished?
This has always been my favorite venue. I mean its SOCCER CITY! but eish, I’m not liking this parkade look inside the venue.
And the pitch?
Seems there is still much to be done until the venue is set to host a match.

it's faaaaaaaar from complete.

We have to remember that this stadium is nothing short of a behemoth - and as such, will take time to complete. What we are seeing here are the finishing touches really - so not that far to go! However, it seems that late Feb or early March is the official hand-over date.

Tadpole's pics are from December 10th - so the grass should look different now. An article below describes an inspection done on December 11th 2009 and helps explain things.


AS 2009 draws to an end, construction of one of the biggest stadiums in the world is almost complete, with only touch ups being done at Soccer City Stadium near the township of Soweto.

Laying the grass for the pitch Taking media through the 88 000 seat stadium, the venue for the opening and final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, on Friday, 11 December, its safety officer, Ephraim Mong, said construction was "almost done". "The inside is complete and what remains is laying the pitch grass. On the outside we are busy paving and all the turnstiles have been erected. Round about March next year, Grinaker/LTA, the principal contractor, must be finished and the new management of the stadium must take over," he said.

As the media entourage entered the facility from the east side, a big ramp could be seen winding its way into the upper tiers, some workers were perched precariously on the roof, busy cleaning the facade. "The ramps will be used by paraplegics to access different suites and floors. This is the easiest access for the paraplegics. The ramps will also be used by able bodied people to avoid congestion," said Mong.

The eastern entrance takes people through to what Mong called the lower concourse. Through it, spectators would come into the lower embankment.
"Looking up from the lower concourse, people will encounter lower suites and further up, you meet the upper suites and then the upper concourse. Currently, the suites are empty and owners will decide how they want to design the inside come 2010."

Down on the pitch, workers were busy laying instant lawn blocks around the edges of the pitch. Mong said the new grass was being laid for a reason. The pitch grass was laid about two months ago but it was noticed that the pitch was uneven and sloping on the sides. Inspecting each and every seat "The new grass they are planting is being laid to level the pitch. As you can see, the pitch is now level." The new grass was planted "like mealies" using a machine; it was laid in blocks because there was a need for it to grow quickly. On the lower concourse, more workers could be seen, inspecting each and every seat and seat row. Mong said Blue Cube, the company contracted to install the 88 000 seats in the giant stadium, were making sure all had been laid properly.

At the northern and western corners of the stadium, tunnels lead directly on to the pitch. Mong explained that they would be used by emergency people and the police. The one on the western side led to a youth centre and police holding cells, which could hold 40 people at a given time.

"Then there is the tunnel in the centre of the western stands. This one will be used by players to access the pitch. This tunnel is constructed to resemble a mine shaft. Just on top of [it] where the black chairs are located, is where the VIPs and the media will be seated. This is where the podium is where the winning team will receive their trophy. "

The sound system had been tested and was in perfect working order. On the night of 8 December, the lights were also tested, and were in order.

Once completed, by the end of February 2010, Soccer City would have consumed 80 000m3 of concrete; 9 000 tonnes of reinforced steel would have been placed; and 8 000 tonnes of structural steel would have been erected.

The facade, built to resemble an African calabash, is made of fibre reinforced concrete panels in eight colours and two textures. The calabash is punctured by open or glazed panels that form a pattern on the facade. The upper roof, which is cantilevered from a huge triangular spatial ring truss, is covered by a PTFE membrane in a colour similar to that of mine dump sand.

The stadium is directly north of the proposed new Nasrec Transport Hub and the pedestrian mall, linking the stadium to the redeveloped Expo Centre to the south. The transport hub will accommodate taxi, bus and rapid transit services. A secondary Rea Vaya station is proposed for the Soweto Highway to the north of the stadium.

"The area outside the stadium will accommodate parking for 8 000 cars," said Mong.

Any new updates?

SOWETO DERBY NOT AT SOCCER CITY

Posted: 2010-01-25 13:54

Reports that the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs would be the official opening match of the Soccer City have been shot down by the hosts.

Bucs PRO Mickey Modisane tells KickOff.com that the match scheduled for February 20 will not be at Soccer City.

“We wanted to play there, but we have been informed that the stadium is not ready yet and so we are looking at alternative venues at the moment.”

Modisane adds that they are thinking of taking the game to the revamped Orlando Stadium, where the first round encounter ended in a goalless draw.

“At the moment we are not really sure where we will be playing the Derby, but I can tell you that we are looking at Orlando Stadium if we don’t find another venue because the FNB Stadium is out.”

Asked to comment on the issue, Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung says he could not say much because it was Pirates’ home game.

“I have been out of the office and I have not received anything on that game. And in any case it is Pirates’ home game. It will be up to them to decide where we play and we will go to wherever that is,” Motaung tells KickOff.com.

Benjamin Nyirenda

cape town stadium? haha

That would be great, but unfortunately its all about money for both clubs. They want to play where they have the biggest support, which is undoubtedly Joburg and Durban.

A bit disappointing that this venue is still not ready
I think best the game be played in JHB or DBN

Yeah, would be nice to see a pack to the brim MM Stadium... But something tells me all hope is not lost for the Derby to return to Soccer City.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47034301@N08/4309392526/
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^^ Went to Soccer City today. Just wandered around pretty much. Security is lax round the stadium so could walk most places. The whole site has a laid back feel to it. Maybe it was because of all the rain but all the workers looked like they were on half pay or something. Anyways, it was still a cool walk. Finally convinced bout the landscaping now.

South Africa 1 - 0 Zimbabwe, Simphiwe Shabalala score from a direct kick.

Awesome shots Juan, I've been meaning to go down there for ages so thanks for the updates. :)

Thanks. Yeah, it's pretty nice down there. Covering of the station is pretty cheap though. Looks much better from a distance than it actually is.

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq159/tadpolefarm/Soccer%20City/62f7d104.jpg

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Awesome, thanks Tad. Coming along nicely. Pitch is loking better but still a while to go. Let's hope by early March we can get an official opening game here!

Thanks SuperTad. it looks awesome. i was expecting a much better pitch at this time though. Those flags on the pitch look like the marks where the goal posts and corner flags are gonna be placed.

I must say im happy with everything.

Its obvious that the upconming derby will not be played here.

Joan, i cant see your pics.

Thanks alot Juan & Tad, great pics guys...I'm not losing hope on the derby, a plan must be made.

Ill give you 50 cents if it gets played here.

Lol, Deal!

fuck that pitch looks horrible. dont think theyd even want to play the derby on that field

Will they have finish the facade - What I mean by this is that they have not put the glass in all those holes - It looks incomplete with those holes

only holes on the upper section of the curve need glass.. those on the lower section cant let anything in and so dont need em

Will they have finish the facade - What I mean by this is that they have not put the glass in all those holes - It looks incomplete with those holes

The bottom section will not get glass. It's part of the design, and really not necessary. Looks fine as is. When you walk inside the stadium it will make more sense to you...

Lower areas are concourse areas, which can do with ventilation. Upper areas need weather protection, unless rain starts moving in a funny direction.

http://stream.zoopy.com/media/2010/01/21/67491/142652/original.jpg

^^ When was this pic taken. I'm confuse one day the pitch look sh!t and the next thing its looking decent.

This is a more recent pic.

I can feel the vibe ...getting goose bumps! .....the WC is getting closer.

^^ When was this pic taken. I'm confuse one day the pitch look sh!t and the next thing its looking decent.

i think they let the grass grow "too much" and then cut it really really short and this happens regularly. the grass is still being grown so i'm not too worried about the quality yet.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/6813/89770071.jpg (http://img692.imageshack.us/i/89770071.jpg/)

from google earth... i dont know how recent it is

^^ nov 26 2009. you can go back in time on google earth now. only discovered it recently: click on the clock button and then toggle the bookmark. as far back as 2001 over most of sa.

^^ The Google Earth pic is probably early October. My guess

Actually - it could be November - everything is green.

nov 26 2009- the date google says it is

Lol, Deal!

there goes the deal!

Take a bus to Soccer City http://www.joburg.org.za/images/M_images/printButton.png (http://www.joburg.org.za/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4803&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=266) http://www.joburg.org.za/images/M_images/emailButton.png (http://www.joburg.org.za/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=4803&itemid=266) Written by Ndaba Dlamini Wednesday, 03 February 2010 http://www.joburg.org.za/images/stories/2010/feb2010/sc_tour_top.jpg
Parking will be at a premium around Soccer City during the World Cup, set aside for VIPs and VVIPs; others must use public transport.
FOOTBALL fans coming to watch matches at Soccer City Stadium are advised to use park and ride and other public transport facilities available during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, as there will be no public parking around the stadium during the month-long tournament.
http://www.joburg.org.za/images/stories/2010/feb2010/sc_tour.jpg Final phase: Soccer City Stadium in Joburg gears up for the big event

With more than 80 000 people expected to flock to Soccer City for the World Cup kickoff on 11 June to witness the opening ceremony and match, there will be little space around the stadium to accommodate the spectators. Besides the opening match, the 88 000-seat stadium will host four group matches, one round of 16 match, a quarterfinal and the final match of the 32-nation football tournament. The 15 000 parking bays being built will be taken up by VIP and VVIP guests, according to Rod Pearce, the deputy director: project management in the City's 2010 unit.
"The public is expected to use park and ride facilities which will be available during the World Cup. Parking around the stadium will be set aside for people like Sepp Blatter [head of FIFA] and President [Jacob] Zuma," said Pearce during a tour of Soccer City on Friday, 29 January.
Parking would also be available for journalists at the Nasrec Expo Centre where the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) would be situated, he added. "But the rest of the public will make do with buses and the trains that will be running during the event."
iTransie
During the 2009 Confederations Cup, the City of Johannesburg ran a successful public transport system called iTransie 2 Ellis Park, ferrying thousands of soccer fans to and from Ellis Park Stadium.
There were four park and ride facilities - at the University of the Witwatersrand, Bez Valley Park, the Coca-Cola Dome and Nasrec. Besides the park and ride facilities - the City commonly uses Metrobuses and taxis to ferry passengers to and from venues - Rea Vaya buses will also be used on the Soweto Highway route.
For those using taxis and buses, a road transport hub along Landbou Road is being built. To be used as a drop-off and pick-up zone, it will accommodate all these modes of transport at the southwest end of the pedestrian promenade. The total public transport capacity of the hub is projected to be 23 280 an hour.
The pedestrian promenade, completed a few weeks ago by the Johannesburg Development Agency, will provide the main link between the Expo Centre and Soccer City. A 25m bridge has been built across the widened Landbou Road and the railway tracks on to Stadium Boulevard.
The Nasrec Station has received a make-over and will service trains bringing spectators to the venue. Situated to the north, parallel to Landbou Road, the Nasrec Station is a fully functional railway station for the 2010 World Cup and will serve future industrial, commercial and residential developments planned for the area after the soccer tournament.
On the west side of Soccer City is an entrance where team buses will enter, drop off players and exit through another gate a few metres away. Pearce said this circular route would also service VVIP vehicles, which would drop their occupants off inside the stadium, where they would take two lifts up to the VIP and VVIP suites.
"The exact date for the official opening of the stadium has not been set yet but as you can see, the stadium is complete and ready for play by March this year."

park and ride from wits? as with ellis park maybe?

Here's a vid tour of SC by Mail and Guardian...

http://www.mg.co.za/multimedia/2010-02-11-soccer-city-an-inside-tour

Nice video, the grass looks like ready to me!

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^^

When will the landscaping become something like below?

http://i24.tinypic.com/dxfv60.jpg

http://africa-2010.ru/assets/images/Cities/stadiums/Soccer%20City%20stadium%20in%20Joh.jpg

http://i23.tinypic.com/1g2gjd.jpg

^^ none of those are the right images so never's my answer

still looks far from the finished article from outside, getting a but worried...

there is not much greenery around the stadium. will that happen? i sure hope so..

I wonder when those were taken as there's greenery taking place around the stadium, in fact I saw more workers on greening the environment and Rea Vaya stations than the stadium.

the station next to the stadium is NASREC right ? is that on a guatrain line or the current metro line ? are fans expected to arrive at SC using this station?

the station next to the stadium is NASREC right ? is that on a guatrain line or the current metro line ? are fans expected to arrive at SC using this station?

Its on the metrorail line not the gautrain line. The gautrain is an airport to Sandton service.

The stadium also has a BRT route and transport interchange.

Soccer City: an architect's dream
Written by Lucille Davie
Friday, 12 February 2010

The spectacular Soccer City Stadium is a dream project that the architect "has been chasing for so long". And the City believes it has got "value for money".
ARCHITECT Bob van Bebber waited 15 years to realise his dream - and it's a dream the world can share this June when they take their seats at Soccer City.

Van Bebber originally proposed a stadium - not just any stadium but a world cup stadium - back in 1991 while completing his architecture degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. But he was told a stadium required too much engineering - until then engineers mostly designed stadiums.


Architect Bob van Bebber is very proud of Soccer City So he told his professor at the time, respected conservation architect Herbert Prins, that one day he would do it. That day arrived in 2006, when his design for Soccer City was approved. "This has been a dream project that I have been chasing for so long," he says.

A massive calabash, one of the symbols of rural African life, rises from the ground at Nasrec, on the outskirts of Soweto, outflanking the long, surrounding mine dumps. "I wanted to bring aesthetics and design into a stadium," explains Van Bebber, a keen footballer at one time.

The calabash was selected from a number of designs as being "the most recognisable object to represent what would automatically be associated with the African continent and not any other", he says.

"The calabash, or ‘melting pot of African cultures', sits on a raised podium, on top of which is located a ‘pit of fire'. Thus the pot sits in a depression, which is the ‘pit of fire', as if it were being naturally fired," reads the info pack.

It is hoped that the calabash shape will be "recognised instantly by spectators in every corner of the world".

Aesthetics and design
So, does it have aesthetics and design? Its large, rounded shape is created by means of thousands of glass-fibre concrete panels in eight different earthy colours, fitted together in a patchwork, and curving around into the cantilevered roof. Odd glazed panels punctuate this facade, allowing sunlight to stream in.

Soccer City fast facts
80 000m3 of concrete used;
9 000 tons of reinforcing steel used;
8 000 tons of structural steel used;
120 000m3 of soil;
1 350 piles driven into the bedrock;
Some piles 1,5m in diameter, 33m into bedrock;
Roof supported by 12 40m-high concrete shafts and 16 circular columns 1m in diameter;
Over 2 600 construction people on site;
88 851 seats;
11 million bricks used.

The three-tier stadium soars 60 metres into the air, and stretches across 300 metres. At night when the lights are on, it takes on a fantastic glow, something almost extraterrestrial.

It looks magical from a distance; it looks magical from inside, with its multiple shapes and colours soaring above your head in a curve, as you enter. Although it encases you in its roundness, that roundness is tempered by huge angled concrete columns and ramps on the inside, and although the concrete is dead and grey, the contrasting shapes are alive with design, enhanced by tall open spaces.

Van Bebber says that for him the design of the calabash has special meaning. "It symbolises people coming together, a melting pot of cultures, sharing and passing around the calabash." And the world is going to be sharing from that calabash come June.

He says now, with the stadium almost complete and a truly splendid addition to Johannesburg's growing list of African-inspired structures, that he is "very proud" of it. Construction will take three years - it started in February 2007 and will be complete in March 2010.

Sibongile Mazibuko, the executive director of Joburg's 2010 unit, says the design of the stadium "symbolises the unity of Africa". "There is something very cultural about it, it touches who we are," she says.

World football body FIFA describes it as "one of the most artistic and awe-inspiring football venues on the African continent".

Seats
Arguably the most striking of all the 10 stadiums, teams playing at Soccer City are likely to be overwhelmed by the sounds of cheering and vuvuzelas coming from 88 851 people, the number of seats in the stadium. This is almost double the capacity of any of the other nine World Cup stadiums around the country.


The huge concrete columns inside Soccer City make a bold statement Symbolism has been built into it. Nine vertical lines run through the seats and through the facade, aligning with the other nine 2010 stadiums, as well as the Berlin Stadium, where the 2006 World Cup was held.

"These are representative of the road to the final, and it is hoped that, after the World Cup, the scores of each game at each venue will be placed in pre-cast concrete panels on the podium," reads the information statement. "A visit to the stadium will thus provide one with a full history of the World Cup and all its scores."

The stadium has other significance, too. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was welcomed back to his home town, Johannesburg, here. A funeral service was held here for Communist Party leader Chris Hani, who was assassinated in Boksburg in 1993.

First in SA
Van Bebber is an architect at Boogertman Urban Edge & Partners. The firm was ranked first in South Africa and Africa and 63rd in the world for 2008, according to the World Architecture Magazine.

It has been around for 25 years, with offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Dubai and Mauritius. Its designs range from hotels, shopping centres, office parks and showrooms, to industrial parks and homes and palaces.

It has picked up awards for the design of the Parktown Quarter, the Irene Village Mall, the Blu Bird Centre in Rivonia and the Bigen Centre in Pretoria. Van Bebber has previously been involved in the design of office towers, a beach resort in Dubai, retail developments, a parkade, sections of OR Tambo International Airport, and Emperor's Casino in Benoni.

He had been working on a stadium design since 2001, believing that South Africa would win the bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. So when, in 2004, it was announced as the host for the tournament, the firm was asked for its design.

Boogertman were ready with seven different proposals, among them a design acknowledging the city's disappearing mine dumps; the kgotla, defined by the tree, of the African city state; the African map as a horizontal representation, with the roof of the stadium depicted as a desert plane set within the mineral wealth of southern Africa; and a representation of the national flower, the protea.

Van Bebber says that very little of the old remodelled FNB Stadium was kept. It had only one grandstand, on its western side, with the other three sides simply banked seats. All sides now have covered stands, with two levels of VIP boxes and suites running completely around the stadium. The moat and the curved geometry of the edges of the field have been retained.

Van Bebber is particularly proud of the fact that all seats have a good view of the field.

The stadium has green-friendly elements. All lighting is energy efficient; materials from dismantled sections of the old stadium were re-used; water collected in the moat around the field is used to water the field, and excess water is used to flush the toilets. The flushing of the urinals is programmed, releasing water in tune to the use of the toilets.

Budget
The major challenge has been making the budget stretch as far as it can, says Van Bebber. "But despite this, I think we have given value for money."

The original budget started at R1,9-billion in 2007, and escalated to R3,3-billion by the end. Increasing costs for items like materials, the scope of the stadium and import duties led to the jump in budget, costs felt equally by all the stadium construction teams.

Mazibuko agrees, saying that the City has got value for money in Soccer City, and that the investment was "quite justified".

She is also pleased with the impact of the development on the surrounding neighbourhood, which is receiving an upgrade. A transportation hub and pedestrian mall is being constructed to its south and the precinct will contain new roads, walkways, lighting, signage, landscaping, CCTV cameras and public amenities.

Boogertman brought in overseas stadium contractors Populous, despite not being required to. One person spent three to four days for six weeks working with Van Bebber's team, fine-tuning the design.

"It was amazing how much we had done right," says Van Bebber. He admits, however, that building the stadium has been an "almost vertical learning curve".

He is pleased with the comparison with the other stadiums around the country. He feels three of them - in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth - are good but Eurocentric designs, having been designed by German architects. "They're very slick, with very high specs, and therefore more expensive."

The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban cost R4,8-billion to build and the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town cost R5,8-billion. "Soccer City compares very favourably with the others, but we feel it's ahead of the pack," he says.

It seems appropriate that South Africa will play the first game here. At 4pm on 11 June, Bafana Bafana will run on to the field, to face Mexico. Every South African hopes that the final game, at 8.30pm on 11 July, will also see Bafana Bafana run into the stadium, to take the trophy.

Standing with Van Bebber in the stands on a wet day, I suddenly became aware of a gentle roar. I looked around, wondering what it was, then realised: it was the rain flashing down on the roof.

A gentle roar seemed a good sound for this spectacular stadium.


Read more: http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/4830/266/#ixzz0fQaCq7CG

http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/4830/266/

http://www.galloimages.co.za/FotoWeb/FWbin/preview.dll/TL_769209.jpg?D=194D34A32530E41D50FA044CB2274152E9CA4DE8FB1B880F2D5CC6609181FA4121495AC61F405C618F8E33E5CF137C6B8066D47E99242225B1DB2F7C3443CF56E10610CB3BD176FD2C09721EFA65FEC56089789E710009862614E146F2A7254303BE237E9B5B1149A0F52909421DF0CB7B92FA678E101A16386C9733CB542CF909A2EEB7DA67BC1EA285579906BE5171DEAF58958451ED6C254257ADD2033DCC91495438B860288A27273A3C6B2FA518

http://africa-2010.ru/assets/images/Cities/stadiums/Soccer%20City%20stadium%20in%20Joh.jpg




^^ none of those are the right images so never's my answer

Never?

http://www.football-pictures.net/data/media/543/soccer-city-stadium.jpg

landscaping doesnt take that long. Plus I doubt they will plant much of the grass, most of it will be laid in.

and test events can don't have to wait for the landscaping, so i'm not too worried either.

i went past on the weekend. those pics are pretty old, there's alot of work taking place outside the stadium including Landscaping and roads especially on the western side towards mine dumps

Ya! Landscaping has done much more progress than what we see on those pics.

i went past on the weekend. those pics are pretty old, there's alot of work taking place outside the stadium including Landscaping and roads especially on the western side towards mine dumps

it would be nice to see some progress pics....anyone?...and when exactly will the 1st test event for this venue be?

http://www.prasa.com/Images/FramePhoto5.jpg

Why is this stadium not consistent in updating its pictures! Pule and AB you guys need to go fly again.

hes back :)

Back from the dead :)

Why is this stadium not consistent in updating its pictures! Pule and AB you guys need to go fly again.

Wazzzaaaaaaaaaaaap. its been a long time and u just made my day. broza!:)

Why is this stadium not consistent in updating its pictures! Pule and AB you guys need to go fly again.

DennisDadman oh I meant Rodman, welcome back buddy and that's if it's truely you.

that station looks sweeeeet.

Welcome back Dennis ...Yes, we'll definitely go for a flight soon. My buddy is repairing his heli and we'll have an opportunity in March!

It saddens me that we don't get decent updates for this majestic of stadiums.

http://www.mg.co.za/multimedia/2010-02-11-soccer-city-an-inside-tour

Welcome back Dennis ...Yes, we'll definitely go for a flight soon. My buddy is repairing his heli and we'll have an opportunity in March!

It saddens me that we don't get decent updates for this majestic of stadiums.

Thanks........yea i would like to see the works outside the stadium....this stadium should be having test matches like cape and durban are having since its opening and finishing world cup.

^^ they're still working on the pitch i think.

MARADONA's VISIT LAST MONTH
http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr270/rulani/4294354821_464b94e625.jpghttp://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr270/rulani/4294356419_2abb7850f1.jpghttp://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr270/rulani/4294359825_d586d5c49b_o.jpg

SHINE 2010 VISIT
http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr270/rulani/4294832987_9b1dc8a2c6.jpghttp://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr270/rulani/4294833655_27f1949a9b.jpg

check out this video

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/soccer-city-lights-up-joburg-night-sky-2009-12-09

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr270/rulani/84809_resized_soccercity.jpg

^^ Grass look much healthy!!!! Wonder when is test match?

yes it does, can't be too long now.

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3886/0137soccercitystadium.jpg (http://img186.imageshack.us/i/0137soccercitystadium.jpg/)

someone cleaned the webcam :)

^^ FINALLY :banana:

Where is this webcam situated?

It's on the cooling tower

oh i see, i though its somewhere inside the expo centre.

Maybe it is the expo centre Ruls ...the angle is a little low and front-on.

yeah not the cooling tower. the cooling tower's a little further from the bridge and slightly in front of it. would get the bridge more side on if the camera were on it.

http://C:\Users\khanikar\Pictures\Soccer City-1

not working...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4373368143_8dc4330bfe_o.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4373368133_4f529d0ecf_b.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4373085245_45cf7bbc68_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/buddyicons/30489050@N03.jpg?1221418233#30489050@N03 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/willemhdx/) Uploaded on February 21, 2010 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/willemhdx/archives/date-posted/2010/02/21/)
by panasonichdx (http://www.flickr.com/photos/willemhdx/)

great pics Mo.Rush. Great view of SC in a long long time.
wonder how you get these pics, but good job.

Yes, its definitely all about the landscaping - getting there, getting there. I believe the stadium HAS to be handed over to FIFA on the 15th March for test events.

Looking awesome! Johannesburg looks so pretty and green in the summer. Such a pity when the World Cup is held... I hope Jo'burg impresses and tourists come back to see it in the summertime. :)

i dont remember there being a golf course on the other side of nasrec road
when did that happen ?
and does anyone know when they are planning to test the stadium with a game ?

^^

That's the Crown Mines Golf Course, actually designed by Gary Player in the 60's. I haven't played there, but I've heard it's not bad.

Those aerials are fantastic, great to see the grass coming back on the Western side.

^^
really ?
i clearly dont look around me when i'm driving... cos i dont rememebr seeing it
think i might need to get me eyes tested :nuts:

Awesome fotos but still hoping for some more green :)

great pics Mo.Rush. Great view of SC in a long long time.
wonder how you get these pics, but good job.

a link to the photographers flickr photostream can be found in the post.

http://www.youtube.com/Ten80i

Willem Viljoen is an independent cameraman and Director of Photography

Those are some awesome pics, the webcam looks like its been shifted as well, bit to the right. Now that its cleaned you can clearly see the pedestrian bridge!

^^
really ?
i clearly dont look around me when i'm driving... cos i dont rememebr seeing it
think i might need to get me eyes tested :nuts:

its difficult seeing it with all the trees around. so you're not blind.

ok so we are seeing the press that this stadium is only likely to be ready in may. why oh why is this happening? why is it so late? and only two test events for the most important and largest stadium to be used for he world cup? i am sorry to say this, but this is making us look pathetic and is giving fodder to the uk press. how can some stadia finish last year wand host over 10 events already but this one drags its heels. i am sorry for this rant, but i am embarrassed by this situation. what can be done?

is it me or do i remember july 2009 as the initial completion date?

that would scare me more! why are we not gettig answers on why its delayed.

something went terribly wrong.

ok its not a wembley, and its costing closer to R3.6 bn but why on earth is it 1 year behind its schedule?

Who is paying the massive overrun here?

Its mainly the landscaping, they just need to hire more people to pick up the pace. You ussually see a dull activities happening during the day. no sense of agency . the land is huge. Last week they issued a cleaning tender, meaning work in the stadium is completed. The grass is not an issue. LOC must provide a detailed progress report.

they would not hold out on holding test matches until may because of landscaping.

Hence they should provide detailed progress report.

This pitch was started before Cape Town and its still not ready...its seats were in before Cape Town...Its roof and facade were ready before Cape Town...


wtf is going on here?

This pitch was started before Cape Town and its still not ready...its seats were in before Cape Town...Its roof and facade were ready before Cape Town...


wtf is going on here?

Oh Stop over reacting. It's just the Landscape that isn't finished. Test events are good to have but it isn't needed. It's like if you know the stuff for a test and you don't study. It would be nice to review your notes before the test but you get the stuff anyways.

Cape Town Urbanpark is still not ready yet anyways. So hush.

I declare that Soccer City is going to disappoint.

If those are the latest pictures, then I see a great disappointment. Did anyone realize that there is only March April and May left. Still there is no test match on the main venue. The venue that world leaders, led by Hussein Obama, the Kenyan adorable son, will be in.

The grass in that stadium has failed to grow! ever since late last year. If it grows, it does in patches and it seems like they then uproot them and start afresh. What the heck is going on?

Landscaping is thoroughly out of schedule. the crispiness is not being seen at all! just lots of red dusts around. no green vegetation for the final touch. what the heck is REALLY going on???????

Hmmm...I'll make a prediction here. All games at Soccer City cancelled and moved to Moses Mabhida Durban! :banana: *joke for sensationalist reaction*

*runs*

^^ You guys are overreacting. I'm disappointed too with the delays but its not worth making slippery slope arguments. The place will be ready.

I will take some detailed pictures on Saturday.

The stadium is finished and is being handed over to FIFA next week Wednesday:
http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/4858/266/

The transport hub has just been completed:
http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/4862/266/

... and the IBC is due to be opened on the 16 April.

Lol at the ridiculous over-reaction. The stadium and landscaping are two different things.

You guys talk like CTS and MM are complete. Work is still being done on those stadiums too but you dont see people puling out there underwear over it.:ohno: Cmon get a hold of yourselves.

The 2 mods are right, landscaping CANNOT be the reason that test events arnt taking place. There has to be something else going on. For Vlacke to say that SS isnt ready there is something wrong internally and by the LOC keeping mum about the whole thing is a cause for concern. Lets hope it will all be clarified in the hand over next week.

The 2 mods are right, landscaping CANNOT be the reason that test events arnt taking place. There has to be something else going on. For Vlacke to say that SS isnt ready there is something wrong internally and by the LOC keeping mum about the whole thing is a cause for concern. Lets hope it will all be clarified in the hand over next week.

That was my first thought too.

my bet is on the condition of the pitch. maybe trhere not 100% happy yet.

^^ The Cape Town urban park has nothing to do with the stadium's functioning, it's actually 500m off to the west and is a "added benefit" for Capetonains and not directly related to FIFA's requirements. Fact is, the landscaping around CTS is DONE! Paving is DONE! We're already hosting our third event.

I do think it is hyping it a bit to say Soccer City will be a disaster, it is too early to tell and I've seen things happen quicker to get things ship-shape before... I'm 90% sure it will be fine. However, I must admit, it does concern me a little that the stadium "looks" done, but no test events have occurred yet. But, you may be right... there may be no concern except for pitch.

Also, when it comes to landscaping, remember... Cape Town's unfavourable "planting period" is actually now... February's is our driest and hottest month, where anything needs tons of attention to survive. We're actually heading into our planting season in April, thus, the Urban Park will be fine (they're installing the trees as we type). Johannesburg's planting season ends when ours starts. If stuff isn't established soon, no growth will happen by June and some species and much of the grass will succumb to frost.

Seems someone needs to look into the planning a little bit?