The Moses Mabhida Stadium
One of South Africa's most significant cities, Durban is host to the Moses Mabhida
Stadium which was built to serve as a venue for the 2010 World Cup. Officially declared open in November 2009 with a match between Amazulu and
Maritzburg United, the stadium has a capacity to accommodate up to 85,000 spectators. Named after one of South Africa's most dedicated freedom fighters and former General Secretary of the South African Communist Party, it is the sixth largest stadium in South Africa by capacity.
Built at a cost of US$ 450 million the stadium was one voted as the most popular stadium in the country on an online poll. At first glance the stadium resembles a space craft of gigantic proportions. With clean, modern lines and state of the art design, the stadium displays a clever use of space and light. Another of its design features is the arrangement of seats. This has been done in such a manner so that the colours of the seats resemble the ebb and flow of the Indian Ocean which borders Durban.
One of its main design features is the arch which signifies a feat of engineering in addition to being a perfect spot for adrenaline inducing bungee jumping. The Big Rush Swing as it is called offers visitors the chance to swing from a dizzying height of 80 metres above the ground. The stadium also has a Skycar which transports visitors to the highest point of the arch at 106 metres above ground level. This ride offers breath taking 360 degree views of the stadium and its surrounding environs.
The stadium can also host various conferences, concerts, cricket, football, motor sports and rugby. The design is such that it permits stadium seating to be adjusted from 54,000 for local matches and increased to 80,000 for big international events. Keen to show off their prized sporting venue, the tourism authority in Kwazulu Natal had arranged a visit for myself and other visiting journalists and it was promoted to us as a truly multi purpose stadium that was designed to rival the likes of the Eiffel Tower and The London Eye in international acclaim and recognition. Visitors to Durban can go on organised tours of the stadium and indulge in a Skycar ride or those who wish to have an adventurous experience can indulge in an adrenaline inducing bungee jump. For those who don’t wish to walk around this colossal stadium they can always hop on a Segway and explore the stadium. There is also a range of shops and restaurants within the stadium complex.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium is extremely well maintained and for those interested in innovative architecture this warrants a visit. It has already won a clutch of awards for its design and innovation and continues to occupy pride of place as one of Durban’s prized attractions.
One of its main design features is the arch which signifies a feat of engineering in addition to being a perfect spot for adrenaline inducing bungee jumping. The Big Rush Swing as it is called offers visitors the chance to swing from a dizzying height of 80 metres above the ground