Name: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Built: 2009
Cost: $450 million
Capacity: 70,000
Home to: Amazulu, Golden Arrows
WORLD CUP MATCHES
June 13, Germany vs. Australia
June 16, Spain vs. Switzerland
June 19, Netherlands vs. Japan
June 22, Nigeria vs. South Korea
June 25, Portugal vs. Brazil
June 28, Round of 16 match
July 7, Semifinal match
Trivia: A funicular will carry visitors to a viewing platform at the top of the arch where they can get out and experience panoramic views of the city and ocean.
VENUE INFORMATION
The newly-built Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban takes its
design from the South African flag and is another showcase for the
nation in terms of innovative stadium design.
The massive arch comes together high above the field as a sign of a once divided nation now united and looking to build on its new identity within the international community.
A cable car ascends to the top of the arch, offering visitors and locals alike a breathtaking panorama of the ocean and the city itself.
CITY INFORMATION
Durban, South Africa’s third most populated city after
Cape Town with 3.1 million people, is home to the nation’s
busiest port. As such, Durban is a cultural hot spot with diverse
neighborhoods and something for everyone throughout the city.
HISTORY
Durban’s beaches are famous for big waves and warm
water throughout the year, but the main focal point of
Durban’s cosmopolitan makeup is the ‘Golden
Mile,’ a 2.5 mile stretch of road containing beaches,
spectacular restaurants and shopping, and inviting promenades for
tourists to enjoy year round.
For those interested in the Zulu culture, Durban is the gateway city to explore the past. There is also a great variety of geographic elements to the surrounding area, allowing guests and inhabitants alike to enjoy anything from coral reefs and coastal dunes to lakes, wetlands and swamps.
Founded by famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1497, he originally called the city Rio Natal (Christmas River), but it was later changed to Port Natal until 1835 when it became Durban in honor of Cape Governor, Sir Benjamin D'Urban.
ACCOMODATION
No visit to Durban is complete without a stop at
Africa’s largest marine park called uShaka Marine World, or a
visit to Durban's Amanzimtoti ("sweet waters" in Zulu), a popular
seaside destination for families from all across the globe.
