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2010 FIFA Fan Fests - a World Cup Extravaganza |
Fans not lucky enough to get their hands on tickets to this great event
need not stress - all the atmosphere, action and elecrifying excitement
will be there for all to enjoy at Fan Fests around the country. And
entrance to these is absolutely free.
 Fairly new on the FIFA menu, these Fan Fests (open-air festival grounds with huge screens) were first used in the 2002 World Cup in Korea. A huge hit, were made part of the official Fifa programme for the 2006 World Cup, held in Germany.
It's estimated that more than 18-million people were drawn to these fan fests at 12 different events. The one held at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was host to a massive 9-million fans to a single event.
The 2010 Fifa World Cup will have Fan Fests venues set up in each of the nine host cities; Johannesburg, with two stadiums, will have two fan fests. So all fans without tickets can enjoy the drama and excitement watching live football on giant, world-class screens - in a safe and secure environment – for free.
There will be live music and entertainment as well as lots of good South African food and drink on sale, and fans will get the chance to learn the Diski Dance - the official World Cup dance which combines funky South African moves with popular football tricks.
The Fan Fests will be open on all match-playing days.
So get to your closest Fan Fest and experience the real World Cup vibe (distances mentioned are approximate) :
Johannesburg: Soweto Fan Fest - Elkah Stadium, Rockville
Set in the heart of this bustling township, the Soweto Fan Fest is conveniently located next to the Thokoza Park station - serviced by Johannesburg's new bus rapid transit system.
* Capacity: 40 000
* Opening hours: 10h00 to late
* Distance to stadium: 16 km to Coca-Cola (Ellis) Park and 8 km to Soccer City
* Distance to airport: . 50 km to OR Tambo International Airport
Johannesburg: Sandton Fan Fest - InnesFree Park
Close to Alexandra township and Sandton CBD.
* Capacity: 20 000
* Opening hours: 10h00 to late
* Distance to stadium: 30 km to Soccer City and 15 km to Coca-Cola Park
* Distance to airport: About 20 km to OR Tambo International Airport
Cape Town Fan Fest - Grand Parade, City Centre
Situated in the heart of the city, this historic & newly-renovated square issurrounded by the Castle of Good Hope (South Africa’s oldest building), the Cape Town City Hall and the upgraded Cape Town Station. Also accessible via the Fan Walk from the Cape Town Stadium
* Capacity: 20 000
* Opening hours: 11h00 to 23h00
* Distance to stadium: 2.6 km
* Distance to airport: 15 km
Tshwane/Pretoria Fan Fest - Centurion Cricket Ground
Just outside the city’s CBD, this Cricket Ground has been the host to many hugesporting events. It has both seating and standing options.
* Capacity: 30 000
* Opening hours: 10h00 to late
* Distance to stadium: 13 km
* Distance to airport: 35 km
Durban Fan Fest - New Beach
The only one in South Africa situated on the beach. Catch some waves in the warm Indian Ocean at half time? It's close to many hotels, restaurants & pubs along the beachfront. Also within walking distance to the Moses Mabhida stadium.
* Capacity: 25 000
* Opening hours: 10h00 to late
* Distance to stadium: 3.5 km
* Distance to airport: 35 km
Bloemfontein Fan Fest - Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre, Rocklands
Just 15 minutes from the city centre, this venue has undergone serious upgrades. Five-a-side football pitches will be available within the centre. A dedicated shuttle will run from town centre of town. There's also plenty of safe parking nearby.
* Capacity: 20 000
* Opening hours: 10h00 to late
* Distance to stadium: 12 km
* Distance to airport: 15 km
Nelspruit Fan Fest - Bergvlam High School
Just outside the Nelspruit city centre, Bergvlam is a well-known large events arena. Following a significant upgrade of its facilities, the venue has ample parking within walking distance. Shuttles will operate from a central transport hub, 6 park-and-ride points and one park-and-walk point, as well as an airport pickup point.
* Capacity: 30 000
* Opening hours: 10h00 to late
* Distance to stadium: 5 km
* Distance to airport: 32 km
Port Elizabeth Fan Fest - St Georges Park
It's the oldest park in the city and the 2nd-oldest cricket stadium in the country. It has a host of facilities including an open air theatre, public swimming baths and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Art Museum. Secure parking is available close by and shuttle buses will be available from the city centre.
* Capacity: 25 000
* Opening hours: 10h00 to late
* Distance to stadium: 5 km
* Distance to airport: 5 km
Polokwane Fan Fest - Polokwane Cricket Club
A short distance from the new Peter Mokaba Stadium, this venue has both seating and standing options, with great views of the giant screens. It's close to the CBD and park/ ride facilities and shuttle buses will be available.
* Capacity: 30 000
* Opening hours: Group phase: 12h00 to 00h00
Round of 16 and quarter-finals: 14h00 to 00h00
Semi-finals and final: 18h00 to 00h00
* Distance to stadium: 1.2 km
* Distance to airport: 6 km
Rustenburg Fan Fest - Fields College
Close to the CBD, there is plenty of safe parking and shuttles and alternative transport will be available.
* Capacity: 20 000
* Opening hours: 10h00 to late
* Distance to stadium: 13 km
* Distance to airport: 175 km
See pics and find out more about the 2010 Stadiums and Host Cities
Find accommodation near your favourite stadium.
Courtesy: Media Club, South Africa
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