Fan Parks Planned for all 2010 Soccer World Cup Stadium Centers
Following the success of the huge-screen fan parks during the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany, the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa is setting up its own fan parks in all centers where there are World Cup stadiums, as well as in some where there are not.
The focal points of each fan park are the mammoth screens on which fans who have not been able to get into the stadiums, can still see the soccer games live - in big, high-definition color.
Really big. Fan parks will also become meeting places and social centers during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. And, in keeping with FIFA principles, entrance to all fan parks will be free.
All official fan parks will be open on the days of matches in those cities, from 10 am till party-time late. Typically they can accommodate around 20,000 people each. There will be transport laid on between fan parks, the local World Cup stadium, and the town center. On top of the already finalized official fan parks, many more - of varying size - are expected to be implemented as kick-off day approaches.
The official FIFA fan parks confirmed so far are:
Durban beachfront: At New Beach on the Golden Mile, about 3.5 km from Moses Mabhida soccer stadium. Other sites still to be announced.
St George’s Park cricket stadium in the leafy suburb of Park Drive, on the outskirts of the city, about 3 km from the main beach and 5 km from the North End soccer stadium.
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Pretoria's Fan fest will be at the Centurion Cricket Ground, located just outside the city's central business district. The park can hold 20,000 people.
The park will be located at Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre in the working class area of Rocklands, about 12 km from the Free State soccer stadium and the city.
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Bergvlam High School, about 2 km from city and 5 km from the Mbombela soccer stadium will host the local fan park, while the agricultural showground is mooted as a second location.
Polokwane Cricket Club, less than 2 km from the Peter Mokaba soccer stadium and 6 km from the airport.
Fields College is the site of Rustenburg's fan park, walking distance from the city center but about 13 km from the Royal Bafokeng soccer stadium.
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There will be DJs and music, food and beverage outlets, toilets and transport. According to FIFA guidelines, all fan parks will be fenced and policed, both inside and out. However, bear in mind that events such as the Soccer World Cup are an opportunity for all the worlds petty criminals and con artists to practice their dark crafts, so take the necessary, sensible precautions.
There will be FIFA-affiliated transport between fan parks and all the major transport nodes in each town or city. So just get out here and have a kwaai time (and learn how to speak Sefrican).
The focal points of each fan park are the mammoth screens on which fans who have not been able to get into the stadiums, can still see the soccer games live - in big, high-definition color.
Really big. Fan parks will also become meeting places and social centers during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. And, in keeping with FIFA principles, entrance to all fan parks will be free.
All official fan parks will be open on the days of matches in those cities, from 10 am till party-time late. Typically they can accommodate around 20,000 people each. There will be transport laid on between fan parks, the local World Cup stadium, and the town center. On top of the already finalized official fan parks, many more - of varying size - are expected to be implemented as kick-off day approaches.
The official FIFA fan parks confirmed so far are:
In Johannesburg
- Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown: close to the Market Theatre complex, over the Nelson Mandela Bridge downtown.
- Innes-Free Park in Sandton: this is the de facto business centre of Johannesburg and an upmarket shopping and residential area. About 15 km from Ellis Park stadium and 30 km from Soccer City in Soweto.
- Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown: in the heart of Soweto, a largely working class city-within-a-city, about 25 km from downtown Johannesburg.
In Cape Town
- The Grand Parade: a large parking area in front of the city hall. Within walking distance (1 km) of the train station, waterfront and Green Point stadium (2.5 km).
- Bellville Velodrome: sports and entertainment complex in affluent northern suburbs Tyger Valley area, about 20 km from city center and stadium, access by train or bus.
In Durban
Durban beachfront: At New Beach on the Golden Mile, about 3.5 km from Moses Mabhida soccer stadium. Other sites still to be announced.
In Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Municipality)
St George’s Park cricket stadium in the leafy suburb of Park Drive, on the outskirts of the city, about 3 km from the main beach and 5 km from the North End soccer stadium.
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In Pretoria (Tswane Municipality).
Pretoria's Fan fest will be at the Centurion Cricket Ground, located just outside the city's central business district. The park can hold 20,000 people.
In Bloemfontein (Mangaung Municipality)
The park will be located at Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre in the working class area of Rocklands, about 12 km from the Free State soccer stadium and the city.
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In Nelspruit (Mbombela Municipality).
Bergvlam High School, about 2 km from city and 5 km from the Mbombela soccer stadium will host the local fan park, while the agricultural showground is mooted as a second location.
In Polokwane
Polokwane Cricket Club, less than 2 km from the Peter Mokaba soccer stadium and 6 km from the airport.
In Rustenburg
Fields College is the site of Rustenburg's fan park, walking distance from the city center but about 13 km from the Royal Bafokeng soccer stadium.
More ...
Fan Park Facilities
There will be DJs and music, food and beverage outlets, toilets and transport. According to FIFA guidelines, all fan parks will be fenced and policed, both inside and out. However, bear in mind that events such as the Soccer World Cup are an opportunity for all the worlds petty criminals and con artists to practice their dark crafts, so take the necessary, sensible precautions.
How to Prevent Theft
- Keep money and valuables in a moonbag (fanny pack), or secure day pack.
- Do not wear jewellery that is easy to steal.
- Do not leave a cell (mobile) phone unattended, even for one second.
- Do not carry a camera on the outside – place it in a bag or pocket.
- Never leave a bag unattended, it will disappear.
- Don't fall for any con line, from anyone, asking for anything that does not sound straight.
- All recreational drugs are illegal in South Africa, with potentially stiff penalties – although police often turn a blind eye to dagga (marijuana) smoking in large, peaceful crowds.
There will be FIFA-affiliated transport between fan parks and all the major transport nodes in each town or city. So just get out here and have a kwaai time (and learn how to speak Sefrican).
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