An icon for the people

In preparation for the FIFA 2010 World Cup™, Durban has created Durban's Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium. The stadium’s iconic design will create an unmistakeable silhouette on the Durban skyline.

Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium takes its design inspiration from the South African flag, with its grand arch representing the unity of a sport-loving nation. The two legs of the arch on the southern side of the stadium, come together to form a single footing on the northern side, symbolizing the uniting of a once-divided nation.

The stadium has been specifically designed to be active 365 days a year, creating a dynamic entertainment node for the city of Durban, incorporating Imbizo Place with over 7000m2 retail space, an amphitheatre and a cable car.

The cable car will ascend to a viewing platform at the top of the expansive 350m arch, a staggering 106m above the pitch. From this vantage point, visitors can experience spectacular panoramic views over the ocean and the city.

The stadium is a world-class, state-of-the-art, multifunctional arena located in the heart of the Kings Park Sporting Precinct. It will seat 70 000 roaring fans for the FIFA 2010 World Cup™, with 54 000 seats in legacy mode (permanent), and the potential to expand to 85 000 seats to meet the requirements of large-scale events such as the Olympic Games.

Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium will be the jewel in the crown of the Kings Park Sporting precinct. The entire area will feature additional sporting arenas and facilities as well as restaurants, shops, children’s play areas and a pedestrian walkway linking the stadium complex to the beach.

Quick Facts

Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium will have the capacity to hold 70, 000 spectators during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Its design allows the stadium seating to be reduced to 54,000 for local matches or up-scaled to 80,000 for events such as the Olympic Games.
There are 150 corporate hospitality suites with 7,500 seats.
The grand centre arch, 106m high, is not just a design feature. A cable car will take visitors up to its highest point, where they can get out and enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and ocean.
The 350m long free-span steel arch weighs 2600 tons - that’s the equivalent of 2,600 average cars.
The roof is made of 46,000m2 of Teflon®-coated glass fibre membranes, which will produce a translucent glow when the stadium is lit.
The roof is attached to the arch by 95mm-diameter steel cables.
Each seat of the all-seater stadium is spacious and comfortable, providing clear line-of-sight to the pitch.
A roof cover will provide shelter to 80% of the stadium in the case of rain.
A brand-new passenger terminal will include a railway station, parking, and park and ride facilities for spectators.
Fans will be encouraged to arrive early and beat the crowds. Parks, shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in the Kings Park Precinct will keep everyone entertained until kick-off and after matches.