Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

Key Matches and Dates:

• Mon 28 June 2010 - Round of 16
• Sat 3 July 2010 - Quarter Final

About Ellis Park Stadium:

• City: Johannesburg
• Capacity: 62,000

Ellis Park Stadium is a world class sporting venue, at the centre of the bustling city of Johannesburg.

This stadium has a special place in South Africans hearts after the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, when South Africa beat New Zealand during extra time in what was probably one of the most thrilling rugby matches ever.

Ellis Park Stadium is also a major football venue in South Africa, and is home to the Lions, the Cats and Kaizer Chiefs Football Club.

After it was rebuilt in 1982, Ellis Park became the most modern of South Africa's stadiums. It has recently undergone further renovations including increasing the seating capacity from 57, 000 to 62, 000.

Following a R450 million deal with the Coca-Cola Company in 2008, the stadium name was changed to Coca-Cola Park. However, as World Cup stadiums generally don't use commercial names, it will be continue to be called the Ellis Park Stadium for the duration of the World Cup.

Ellis Park Stadium was the most important venue for the 2009 Confederations Cup, hosting both the opening and final matches as well as the opening and closing ceremony of this Festival of Champions.

Ellis Park Stadium will host: 5 first-round matches, 1 second-round match and a quarter-final of the 2010 Football World Cup.

History of Ellis Park Stadium

Ellis Park, named after Mr JD Ellis, has a long and distinguished history with sport.

After eight months of construction the old stadium was completed in 1928, and in June of that year the first rugby test was played against the All Blacks (to a crowds of 38, 000). In 1955 a record crowd of 98,000 attended South Africa's match against the British Lions.

In 1969 a stadium committee investigated the possibility of a new stadium since the one in use did not meet all the modern requirements. The old Ellis Park Stadium was demolished in 1979, and in 1982 the new upgraded venue was completed.

In 1984 Ellis Park was placed under the management of a trust and in 1987 it was listed on the stock exchange. Due to sound financial management, Ellis Park Stadium could announce that the R53 million construction debt was fully paid, and a further 86 suites could be erected.

The revamp of the new Ellis Park Stadium began in late 2007, and construction was completed in time for the opening match of the 2009 Confederations Cup.

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