Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Emirates Airline Park (previously Ellis Park Stadium), located in the Braamfontein area of Johannesburg, is one of South Africa's most iconic sports venues. Originally built in 1928 and later renovated for the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the stadium has a rich history and has hosted numerous significant sporting events, including rugby, soccer, and concerts. With a seating capacity of around 60,000, Ellis Park is home to the Golden Lions rugby team and has also been a key venue for the South African national rugby and soccer teams. The stadium is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, particularly during high-stakes matches, making it a favorite among sports fans.
A photograph that has been viewed millions of times, by people around the globe, was taken during one of the country's most significant sporting events, the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The photo is of then-president Nelson Mandela and Springbok captain Francois Pienaar holding up the Webb Ellis trophy on 24 June 1995. This was the first major international sporting achievement for South Africa after years of isolation, and the victory was considered a stepping stone toward the creation of a united South Africa. The South Africa national rugby union team, known as the Springboks, defeated New Zealand's All Blacks 15-12. The story of this period in South African history and this achievement in particular was turned into a motion picture in 2009 by Hollywood director Clint Eastwood, the movie was called Invictus.
The old stadium was completely demolished in March 1979 to make way for a bigger, more modern facility. The new facility which includes upgrades made in preparation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup now seats in the region of 62 000 people. It is believed that the only extended period in the stadiums history where rugby was not played at the facility was during the 1979 rebuild. Games were played at the Wanderers while the stadium was being rebuilt.
The Ellis Park Stadium is home to Super Rugby's Lions, Currie Cup's Golden Lions and the Premier Soccer League's Orlando Pirates. In 2005, 10 years after hosting the legendary Rugby World Cup final, it became the first black-owned stadium in South Africa when the Golden Lions Rugby Union relinquished management to a majority black-owned company. Today, the stadium is managed by Interza Lesego, Orlando Pirates Football Club and Ellis Park World of Sport.
After a R500 million upgrade was completed in 2008, Ellis Park Stadium was ready for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The upgrade saw the seating capacity increased by 5000 seats, a facelift to the Presidential Suite, a new hospitality room and new changing rooms. Ellis Park hosted five group games, one second round game and one quarter-final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Ellis Park now boasts high-tech media facilities, a premium audio-visual set-up and improved accessibility for the disabled. It also has nine conferencing venues, which host up to 1 000 people at a time. Visitors can choose between executive suites and banquet conference venues, all overlooking the pitch. It is also a popular concert venue in South Africa, with the likes of the Rolling Stones having performed there.
Contact details for the Ellis Park Stadium:
Phone: +27 (0)11 402 2960
Email: info@ellispark.co.za
Address: 47 Siemert Road, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
Accommodation Near Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Forest Town Guest Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Forest Town
3.5km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, JohannesburgForest Town Guest Cottages situated in Forest Town in Johannesburg. These attractively and comfortably furnished villas are self-contained, separate and private, 1- and 2-bedroom villas to suit families, the business traveller and tourists. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
7th Street Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Melville
5.6km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, Johannesburg7th Street Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Melville, Johannesburg. With 13 luxury en suite rooms equipped with DSTV, Wifi internet access, heaters, hairdryers, fans, digital safes, coffee/tea facilities and bar fridges stocked... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Jack Rose
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Johannesburg Area
5.6km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, JohannesburgThe The Jack Rose offers the perfect Rosebank accommodation for business and leisure travellers. There are 56 huge rooms and apartments, the beds are comfortable, the WiFi is fast & free and the coffee is GOOD! This perfect location makes getting... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Residency Jellicoe
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Johannesburg Area
5.9km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, JohannesburgLocated centrally in the affluent and upmarket area of Rosebank, The Residency Jellicoe offers our valued guests the option of three different apartment types: A hotel room, a one-bedroom apartment, or a two-bedroom apartment, allowing for the... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Melville Gap Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Melville
6.2km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, JohannesburgMellville Gap Guest House is situated a stone's throw from the Bohemian suburb of Melville's famous 7th Street with its vibe atmosphere, pavement cafes, cozy restaurants, antique/vintage stores and cocktail clubs, we are in the perfect location... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Panhandle Place Cottages
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Johannesburg Area
9.3km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, JohannesburgPanhandle Place Cottages are lovely self-catering units in a beautiful garden setting with views of the Johannesburg city skyline. We are centrally placed in an old Johannesburg suburb with tree-lined streets, safe for walking and jogging. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Louhallas
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Edenvale
10.7km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, JohannesburgLouhallas provides self catering accommodation in Edenvale in Johannesburg's East Rand, Gauteng. Set in Central Edenvale, close to shopping centres, banks and a variety of other amenities. We offer 3 fully furnished self-catering cottages... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Marle' Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Alberton, East Rand
11km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, JohannesburgMarle' Lodge has 11 double en-suite rooms all beautifully finished in matching African theme. Two of the rooms have an inter-leading door to cater for families who wish to stay together. All rooms have DStv. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
President Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Edenvale
12km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, JohannesburgPresident Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Edenvale on the Johannesburg East Rand, Gauteng. President Lodge is a jewel of a guest house, within 10 minutes' drive from OR Tambo International Airport and close to major... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
3 Brothers B&B
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Edenvale
12.5km from Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, Johannesburg3 Brothers Bed and Breakfast is located in Edenvale on the East Rand of Johannesburg in Gauteng. 3 Brothers is situated in Edenvale, a quiet, tranquil and secure residential area. It's central and close to all major routes and business parks. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
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