The story of one of the most remarkable architectural transformations from FNA to Soccer City began at a site already flagged in the books of history for being the holy place of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison. Lately serving as a of Chris Hani’s funeral, the FNA stadium already needed no introduction, for its popularity was always beyond soccer and extends to incalculable festive and events the whole world keeps its eyes on.

The only step required towards a matchless perfection was taken in the form of a marvelous upgrade of FNA stadium to host the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010. Today, the Soccer City is a crowning beauty of Johannesburg, earmarked to host the opening as well as final matches for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

What qualified the former “Soccer Stadium” to “Soccer City” is it’s new improvisations, enhanced capacity, enormity, splendor and a dazzling out look. The caterpillar is now a butterfly with its vibrancy and colors that make it a best site for festivals, events, matches and simply celebrations of all kinds.

Today, the Johannesburg’s crown, Soccer City is the largest football-specific stadium in Africa with a capacity of 94,700. The former two tired bowl has been developed into an extended upper tier around the stadium, an additional 99 executive suites, new changing room facilities, new floodlights and an encircling roof is added to give it a mesmerizing effect. The design of this spectacular structure is originally inspired by the traditional African pottery art. The outer tier clad on the outside in a medley of earthen and fire colors gives it a huge pot like look and the circle of lights around its bottom represent fire underneath the pot, tradition, science, culture and modernity – a combination made to excel all expectations.

Matches to be played at Soccer City during FIFA World Cup 2010

Soccer City officially opened for public after its reconstruction on Wednesday, 21 October 2009, with a remember-able celebration to mark an exciting beginning. Conveniently located right next to the South African Football Association headquarters (SAFA House), Soccer City provides a one of its kind soccer experience in a stadium designed so masterly that no spectator will be more than 100 meters from the action. The stadium provides an easy access from round the city places, hotels and affordable accommodations. Also, all through summer there are (on and off) many cheap flights to Johannesburg, bargains, discounts and cheap tickets as part of airline promotional activities which enable football fans to see their stars live in action only a 100 meters away !