Green Point was completely demolished in 2007 to make way for a stunning 68,000-seater super stadium.
One of the main features of the new venue is the downward slope angle of the roof from the upper perimeter to the inner tension ring, which is expected to minimise noise and meet strict environmental constraints. There will also be a massive improvement to the 85ha Green Point Common to accommodate several sporting codes and public recreational areas.
History of the venue
In February 2006, Western Cape premier Ebrahim Rasool and the city's former mayor, Nomaindia Mfeketo announced their intention to transform Green Point Stadium into a semi-final venue for the World Cup. At the time, the ground housed just 18,000 seats and was home to Ajax Cape Town and Santos FC. It also staged some of the biggest concerts held in the country, with the 46664 festival gracing Green Point in 2003, while the likes of Michael Jackson and Robbie Williams also entertained crowds at the stadium, situated between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean. On 31 October 2006, the city of Cape Town gave the green light for construction to commence.
Usage during World Cup
During the global showpiece, Green Point will host five first round matches, one second round encounter, one quarter-final and a semi-final clash.
Usage after World Cup
The major concern surrounding the stadium is its usage after the World Cup. 55,000 Seats will remain permanent following the completion of the tournament and the Western Province Rugby Union has already ruled out using the venue as home to the Stormers. Neither Ajax nor Santos have the supporter base to remotely half fill the stadium, yet the purpose of the ground is to "host football and rugby union matches."
Concerts are also pencilled in for the venue, which is set to struggle to meet its capacity. However, in August 2006, Rasool told the Western Cape provincial legislature that he did not forsee the stadium becoming a white elephant. "In the high road scenario, the stadium will be used to its maximum and, in a low road, it will be used minimally," he said.
"The high road would include some rugby games being shifted to Green Point that takes us to profitability within the first two years. Even in terms of the low road, we have to absorb costs in 2010, but then it begins to show modest profits."
How to get there
Cape Town International Airport serves both domestic and international flights. It is the second-largest airport in South Africa and serves as a major gateway for travellers to the Cape region. Cape Town has direct flights to most cities in South Africa as well as a number of international destinations. It's just had a glossy refurb as well.
The Shosholoza Meyl operates two long-distance passenger rail services from Cape Town: a daily service to and from Johannesburg via Kimberley and a weekly service to and from Durban via Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Pietermaritzburg.
Three national roads start in Cape Town: the N1 which links Cape Town with Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Zimbabwe, the N2 which links Cape Town with Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban and the N7 which links Cape Town with the Northern Cape Province and Namibia.
The Green Point Stadium itself is located within walking distance of the city's Central Business District.
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