Built for this World Cup, the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban features a 350 meter long arch soaring over the pitch, reminiscent of Wembley, except for its pleasantly symmetrical placement. The arch’s southern legs coming together are meant to represent both the unity of this once divided country and remind one of the national flag, whilst their joining at the northern end really drives home the point.
As it’s been built specifically for this tournament, it’s been designed as a multi-purpose venue and has the singular feature of a cable car that can and will raise persons to a platform atop the arch to enjoy the view. The stadium will become part of a larger complex of arenas, entertainment and dining in the spirit of urban renewal.
Durban gets to host a number of exciting games, with Spain taking on Switzerland, the Netherlands versus Japan, Germany clashing with Australia and what might be the pick of the opening rounds when Portugal and Brazil face up in the Group G decider.
A Round of 16 game and a semi-final will follow.
City: Durban
Construction: New
Complete: 2009
Official Capacity: 69,957
The Locale : The District
Durban is located in KwaZulu-Natal, a small region containing an abundance of African riches. The province with the most domestic tourism, it features over 250 kilometres of holiday home fronted, over-developed beaches to the north and south of Durban itself.
The industrial and economic centre of the region, Durban was once the Cote d’Azur for white South Africans. However from the 1980s onwards the influx of native Africans have seen the complexion of the city change considerably.
Close to the oldest residential district in Durban, The Berea, the Moses Mabhida stadium is located in the Kings Park Sporting Precinct that also features the Absa rugby stadium. If you’re based in Durban you’re well placed for trips around the region including to the various nature reserves. You can also enjoy the city beaches and its unique melding of African, Indian and Colonial culture.
Local Sights to See: If you’re going to the stadium you should check out…
Umhlanga Rocks melts in to the suburb of Durban North and should be the perfect retreat for a day trip, just 20 kilometres from the centre of Durban.
As well as a well maintained beach and lots of smaller malls, the Theatre of Shopping sits atop the ridge. That’s right, a shopping experience so vast it becomes a spectator sport. Among the highlights are almost 400 shops, a sports centre, Mr Funtubbles Fabulous Family Fun Fair, an Imax cinema, a normal cinema, an art-house cinema, an indoor climbing wall, a wave pool, mini golf… the list goes on. If you’re travelling with a whole family this might be the perfect spot for you.
Things to avoid
Let’s talk about drugs. Cannabis, known locally as “Dagga” is widely produced in South Africa and the KwaZulu-Natal region is known for its potent Durban Poison. Though high quality and relatively inexpensive it is illegal to buy, and sell, in South Africa and with the increased security accompanying the World Cup it’s likely a risk not worth taking, especially if you find yourself being lured off the beaten track to avoid the authorities.
Games to be played there:
June 13th: Group D – Germany v Australia
June 16th: Group H – Spain vs Switzerland
June 19th: Group E – Holland vs Japan
June 22nd: Group B – Nigeria vs Korea Republic
June 25th: Group G – Portugal vs Brazil
June 28th: Round of 16 – Winner of Group E vs Runner-up Group F
July 7th: Semi-final
