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Vodacom Park
Vodacom Park is the home base of Free Sate Rugby and the Vodacom Cheetahs. This stadium and the related infrastructure ranks amongst the most sophisticated in South African sport.
The stadium is well located in the Bloemfontein sports precinct, which includes independent stadiums for cricket, hockey, athletics and swimming within a one-kilometer radius. In addition, Vodacom Park is scheduled for upgrading in 2007 for the World Cup 2010 soccer event.
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No. |
Category |
Notes and Comments |
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1. |
Stadium size |
§ 37 076 seat stadium
§ 16 914 seats under cover
§ Capacity will increase to 52,000 all seater by 2007, in preparation for World Cup Soccer 2010
§ Rated by the FIFA inspection team in 2004 as one of the best in South Africa (“safety, easy accessibility, atmosphere of the stadium, quality of the pitch and facilities”)
§ Certified as an international rugby and soccer stadium by the relevant authorities |
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2. |
Stadium location |
§ 1km from CBD
§ 10km from airport |
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3. |
Access |
§ 32 entrances split across 2 gates per side of the stadium (8 gates in total) |
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4. |
Hospitality |
§ 100 suites - currently at 100% capacity, as this is the right number for the target market
§ Permanent hospitality area right next to the stadium for approximately 5,000 fans
§ Facilities include an entertainment deck, 8 fixed gazebos and converted luxury train carriages
§ The hospitality area is in a fenced off, secure and well lit area
§ All suites have an in-house television network, enabling guests to watch the match live, and other broadcast events |
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5. |
Parking |
§ Vodacom Park have more capacity than is currently needed for sold out Springbok test and Bafana Bafana matches
§ There is a range of parking in nearby parking areas, fields, parks and surrounding streets
§ Secure VIP parking is available to VIP’s, suite holders etc. |
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6. |
Transport |
§ Local fans without their own transport make use of taxis and special buses from various points in Bloemfontein
§ Airport – sufficient capacity for sold out test matches |
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7. |
Other |
§ 2 Electronic scoreboards
§ Stadium sound system upgraded in 2004 |
Rugby Field
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No. |
Category |
Notes and Comments |
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1. |
Grass type |
§ Evergreen grass |
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2. |
Laid |
§ In 1995 |
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3. |
Lighting |
§ Broadcast quality spotlights (4 pylons and roof spots)
§ 1,500 Lux |
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4. |
Other |
§ The stadium field was recently rated by FIFA as excellent |
Safety and Security
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No. |
Category |
Notes and Comments |
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1. |
Security Provider |
§ SPE (largest in Bloemfontein) |
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2. |
Stadium |
§ Fence around stadium
§ Safe entrance and exit from stadium
§ Secured VIP and suite holder security |
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3. |
Other |
§ No serious incidents in the last ten years for rugby or soccer (includes hosting Vodacom and Currie Cup matches, Super 12, test matches, PSL and Bafana Bafana matches)
§ Closed circuit TV system (to be installed in 2006) |
Transport Facilities
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No. |
Category |
Notes and Comments |
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1. |
Airport |
§ Medium size South African airport which has sufficient capacity for sold out test matches
§ 10km from stadium and 9km from city centre |
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2. |
Distances by road |
§ 1 ˝ hours from Kimberly
§ 1 ˝ hours from Welkom
§ 4 hours from Johannesburg |
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3. |
Bus |
§ A fully developed bus service connects the CBD with the surrounding suburbs, as well as other major South African cities |
Relevant City Infrastructure
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No. |
Category |
Notes and Comments |
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1. |
Hotels |
§ Over 5,000 beds in 140 hotels and guest houses |
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2. |
Road Network |
§ Bloemfontein is a low congestion city with more than 1,700km of paved roads |
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3. |
Telecommunications |
§ Similar to all SA cities |
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4. |
Sporting precinct |
§ Yes, includes rugby, cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis and hockey facilities situated together |
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