Name: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Built: 1952 (renovated in 2008)
Cost: $33 million in renovations
Capacity: 48,000
Home to: Bloemfontein Celtic
WORLD CUP MATCHES
June 14, Japan vs. Cameroon
June 17, Greece vs. Nigeria
June 20, Slovakia vs. Paraguay
June 22, France vs. South Africa
June 25, Switzerland vs. Honduras
June 27, Round of 16 match
Trivia: The historic U.S. victory over Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup semifinal was played at the Free State Stadium.
VENUE INFORMATION
While the majority of regions in South Africa are rugby
first, things have changed in Bloemfontein.
An area that fanatically supports its local club Bloemfontein Celtic, football is quickly taking over and the improvements to the Free State Stadium and its usual sold-out status attest to this fact.
Originally built in 1952, the stadium received a medium upgrade for the World Cup in 2008 and is ready to welcome the world.
CITY INFORMATION
The capital of the Free State Province, Bloemfontein is a
cultural hotbed with a unique blend of rural peacefulness and an
eclectic city life. The city is dotted with scores of monuments and
museums, all contributing to Bloemfontein’s multifaceted
essence.
HISTORY
Bloemfontein is also the judicial capital of South Africa,
claiming the Appeal Court – the highest court in the land. In
Dutch, Bloemfontein literally means ‘Foutain of
Flowers.’ This landlocked city boasts a population of just
under 400,000 people.
ACCOMODATION
The city is surrounded by many interesting geographical
points of interest, including the Vredefort Dome which is the
oldest impact crater in the world. The cliffs of Golden Gate
National Park are also a popular destination for tourists visiting
this part of South Africa.
While Dutch and English settlers founded present day
Bloemfontein in the mid-1800’s, the land was of prime
importance for numerous indigenous tribes throughout the previous
years, including a time when it served as home to those fleeing the
wrath of the famous Shaka Zulu.
The sixth largest city in South Africa, Bloemfontein is the perfect tonic for the crowded metropolis when traveling to the 2010 World Cup.
