Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – stadium description

This is the first case of a world-class stadium in Eastern Cape province. Decision to built it was made after the city of Port Elizabeth was selected for 2010 World Cup and the largest existing venue, EPRU Stadium, proved not viable for redevelopment.

Construction started already in 2010 was the first one for the FIFA tournament in South Africa. Its cost was estimated initially at some ZAR 711 million, but eventually proved almost three times higher at over 2 billion. Completion and opening in mid-2009 proved too late to host the Confederations Cup that was to take place here at the beginning.

The most distinctive feature is its roof with petal-shaped segments creating a dynamic and elegant composition over the stands. Those have one large tier, partly in a sunken bowl, and two smaller ones with up to 4,000 temporary seats atop.

There’s also room for 150 skyboxes which proved a useful asset not only during the World Cup, but also afterwards as a local rugby team moved here, playing all home games since 2010 at the new venue. Additionaly there are also concerts held here and in 2013 some matches of the African Cup of Nations.