Ellis Park Stadium

February 25, 2008

Ellis Park Football Stadium

Ellis Park Stadium is located in Johannesburg and is the official home of the South African rugby union team. It boasts a capacity of 60,000.

Although Ellis Park is traditionally a Rugby Union ground, it has also hosted a number of football matches with many major clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and the Brazilian national team having played at the ground. Ellis Park is also the home of Orlando Pirates, a leading team in the South African Premier League.

Ellis Park Stadium Tragedy

On 11th April 2001, 43 supporters were tragically killed in an accident at the Ellis Park Stadium, during a Premier League derby match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

The stadium was already filled to it’s 60,000 capacity with an additional 30,000 supporters still trying to gain entry into the ground. Rumours spread that as many as 120,000 people were admitted into the stadium.

An equaliser for Orlando Pirates caused a stampere, as fans still trying to enter the ground surged forward trying to see what was going on. It was claimed that the use of tear gas by untrained security guards in a bid to stop the surge worsened the situation, although this has always been denied by South African Police Department.

Role in 2010 World Cup Finals

Ellis Park Stadium will host five group games at the 2010 World Cup finals, as well as one quarter final.

The stadium is being upgraded in time for the FIFA finals with new changing rooms and a hospitality room being added to the arena.

Travel Information for Visiting Ellis Park Stadium

If you are planning to go to the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa and would like to visit the Ellis Park Football Stadium, you should read our Guide to Hotels in Johannesburg.

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