Sunday Times Combined Metros 4 - 14/06/2010 08:05:40 PM - Plate:
STADIUMS loftus ver Behind the boerewors curtain is Loftus Versfeld — the heart of SA rugby, and now a host to the World Cup Loftus is one of South Africa’s oldest and most established stadiums. The site has been used for sports events since 1903, and the first concrete structure, which could accommodate 2 000 spectators, was built in 1923. Since 1948 it has been revamped continuously and has hosted many international showdowns and shindigs. Today, Loftus hosts the Premier Soccer League football clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United, as well as rugby union club Blue Bulls, 2010’s Super 14 champions.
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some stats • Loftus has a capacity of 49 500 • The most remarkable upgrade was the building of a new roof over the previously uncovered eastern pavilion, which provides shelter from the hot summer sun and cold Highveld winter nights • The stadium also has improved light levels as well as sound quality • The stadium comes with a new, well-lit walkway • Loftus will host six first and second-round matches during the World Cup
VISIT: http://www.timesurl.at/3c86cc for what to do around Ellis Park
key matches June 23 (4pm) USA vs Algeria June 25 (8.30pm) Chile vs Spain June 29 (8.30pm) Runners-up of Group E
get there SOCCER TRAINS Due to the large number of fans who need to get to the stadium, this is the preferred mode of transport. Special 2010 Fifa World Cup “soccer trains” will be provided to all Gauteng stadiums on match days. The soccer trains will stop at selected stops along the way. In Tshwane they will drop fans off at Rissik Station, a five-minute walk from the stadium along a dedicated walkway. PARK-AND-RIDE BY TRAIN A park-and-ride by train will operate from the Pretoria Station. Fans can park their vehicles and catch a train to the Loftus Versfeld precinct. In need of a train schedule? Check closer to the time at www.metrorail.co.za SHUTTLE FROM PRETORIA STATION A special shuttle service will operate from the Tshwane Regional Transport Hub at the Pretoria Station in the CBD to Loftus Versfeld Stadium. It will deposit fans an easy 500m walk from the stadium. Operating times: 6am — 12am Cost: R12.50 PARKING AT LOFTUS VERSFELD STADIUM Whether you’re driving to the stadium or coming by private coach or other road transport, you can use the park-and-ride or park-and-walk facilities.
park-and-rid
At the park-andwill transport fan and back. At the will walk to the s along a secure ro Times: All sites o before kick-off to game ends Cost: From R50 p through www.com
EASTERN PARK-A Venue: campus (LC de Vi Access: N1/Lynnwood Ro Road (S 25 44.99 via the Innovatio Alternative route (S 25 45.169 | E SOUTHERN PARK Venue: Pretoria S Access: Totius St E 28 13.118) WESTERN PARK Venue: Pretoria T School sport field Access: Wessels | E 28 12.880)