Yesterday (7-06-09) was the cause for much celebration and excitement as the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Port Elizabeth) opened its gates to the people of the Eastern Cape for the first time.



Ecstatic fans blast their vuvuzelas for the first time in the brand new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium open day.

The occasion was a mixture of anticipation, entertainment and an emotional thanksgiving at being the first newly-built stadium to be completed for the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament.

Mayor Nondumiso Maphazi said: “We are very proud of this mammoth achievement. The workers who did such a magnificent job need to be thanked. They, together with all the citizens of the Eastern Cape, need to take pride in this beautiful structure."

There was plenty of entertainment for the more than 17000 people who made their way to the stadium, including an under-6 mini soccer game, an air display, various dancing, fireworks and musical entertainment from national artists HHP and Nadine, together with a number of local talents – proved again to be a unifying factor for the “rainbow nation”.

Another highlight was the announcement of the Eastern Cape rugby franchise squad, the Southern Kings, which was received warmly by the crowd. The Kings take on the British and Irish Lions side next Tuesday.

LOC ecstatic

Local Organising Committee chief executive Danny Jordaan said he was ecstatic, emphasising how proud he was of his hometown being the first stadium to be completed ahead of next year‘s World Cup.

“This is a fantastic stadium – certainly world class. I have seen many other stadiums, but this is a perfect arena. It will definitely change the landscape of this town.

“Finishing a new stadium a full year ahead of a tournament is something that has never been achieved elsewhere in the world. We all need to be proud of ourselves and everyone who was part of this.

“South Africa is ready, and we will host a magnificent Confederations Cup and a great World Cup in 2010,” he said.

See The Herald http://www.theherald.co.za for the full story ...