8> Designed for contextual relevance and functionality rather than an iconic statement and aesthetics, the Mbombela Stadium’s pleasant stadium experiences have to do with the intimate proximity to the pitch, clear sightlines and ease of access. Other elements have greater attention to detail rather than flashy décor and stoic structures.
Stadium design principles The stadium seats 40 000 spectators on three seating terraces. For a good view of a match, a spectator requires good floodlighting, proximity to the field of play and a clear view of all parts of the pitch. These are, to some extent, conflicting requirements because the closer you bring the stands to the field, the poorer the sightlines become. If you remove spectators from the pitch by having seating placed at a distance, their experience is diminished. The trick here is to find the right balance in order to achieve both proximity to the pitch and good sightlines for spectators. Basically, the sightlines at the Mbombela Stadium are excellent, enhancing spectator satisfaction. The design at all times was kept relatively simple, taking into account the locality of the structure and the skills available from the local labour force. Another major factor in keeping the stadium simple and accessible was that the arrival and general spectator circulation occurs at the mid-height level of the stadium. Spectators needing access to the lower terrace easily walk down to their seats, and spectators using the suite level and upper terrace walk up less than half the height that they would normally do at larger stadiums. “The aim of laying the arena in a simple rectangular plan form, and not in an oval shape, was to simplify the construction process and keep the budget in check. Both of the two main seating tiers link directly into continuous and generous pedestrian concourses, which in turn link with eight generous pedestrian ramps.
TOP: The theme of soccer is spread throughout the stadium with the use of soccer icon wall coverings. ABOVE: With bright colours and animalistic design elements, this is Africa’s wildest stadium.