Name: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Built: 2009
Cost: $140 million
Capacity: 46,000
Home to: No Clubs
WORLD CUP MATCHES
June 16, Honduras vs. Chile
June 20, Italy vs. New Zealand
June 23, Australia vs. Serbia
June 25, North Korea vs. Ivory Coast
Trivia: The signature feature of the stadium are the 18 roof supports that resemble giraffes.
VENUE INFORMATION
In a region devoid of most soccer culture, the newly-built
Mbombela Stadium is a welcome addition to the northeastern portion
of South Africa
The stadium's name is taken from the local siSwati word (siSwati is one of 11 official South African languages) which translated means 'many people together in a small space.'
The stadium's proximity to many local game reserves will make it a popular destination for those visitors hoping to see a little more than just football which attending the World Cup.
CITY INFORMATION
If you’re looking for a place akin to the Garden of
Eden, look no further than the Mpumalanga Province’s capital
city of Nelspruit. Majestic mountains, green hills and sparkling
rivers surround this city of 220,000 people, all contributing to
the province’s name meaning ‘Place where the sun
rises.’
HISTORY
The Nel family is widely recognized as having founded the
city’s current name, but a number of indigenous tribes
occupied the land well before European farmers and settlers began
harvesting from the rich bounty the region offers.
ACCOMODATION
The famous Kruger National Park is the city’s most
famous attraction. One of the world’s most frequented game
reserves, Kruger offers tourists a close-up glimpse of some of
Africa’s most coveted wildlife. It is also South
Africa’s largest game reserve.
If you’re looking for a little bit of adventure, look
no further than the Sudwala Caves just outside the city. Widely
regarded as the oldest in the world, these 3000 million year old
caves have produced a number of important geological finds that
continue to assist in our understanding of the history of man.
Afraid of the dark, though? No worries, you can always visit
the cascading Mac-mac Falls. This 213 foot waterfall is a wonderful
place for tourists to break away from the hustle and bustle of city
life and get back to nature in a hurry.
