The Mbombela Stadium is one of five grounds built especially for the World Cup in South Africa, the others being in Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Polokwane. It is the first football stadium ever to be built in the Mpumalanga Province.
The stadium's design is unique with the signature feature of the arena being the 18 roof supports that resemble giraffes. Given the stadium's location, close to the Kruger National Park, this architectural feature seems an appropriate way of reflecting the local wildlife.
Sitting in open land to the west of Nelspruit, the arena is visible from some distance. The R920m stadium incorporates sports precinct with athletic and cricket facilities, benefiting the surrounding community.
This stadium had been considered by FIFA to house an artificial surface for the World Cup but the majority of players for this tournament will be pleased to hear that grass has been selected for use here after all. The 44,000 seat, rectangular shaped stadium will host games in the group and first round stages of the tournament.
The ground is situated off the N4 motorway, allowing easy car and bus access from the centre of Nelspruit.
There are four Park & Ride sites in Nelspruit for the World Cup, designed to accommodate 10,000-15,000 people. This sites are at Nelspruit Rugby Club, Nelspruit High School, Bergvlam High School and the Agricultural Research Centre. An additional 100 articulated buses will be in operation on match days.
Nelspruit is near to the borders of Swaziland and Mozambique, making it a fascinating cultural hub. Supporters are recommended to visit one of the many conservation areas on the city's outskirts on days off.
Kruger Mpumpalanga Airport serves Nelspruit and has regular flights to Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.
See an access map to the stadium
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