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TThe term “sporting cathedral” fits Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ stadium, to perfection. Its classic design, which incorporates elements of the national flag, has made it one of the country's favourite sports stadiums.
The feature that stands out most at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is its grand arch. At 350m long and 106m high, the arch is symbolic of a diverse nation, unified in its love of sport. The two legs of the arch on the southern side of the stadium join together on the northern side, representing a once-divided nation now unified.
This Durban sports stadium was built at a cost of around R3.4 billion, across the road from the rugby stadium most popularly known as Kings Park. It has been widely acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece and has already achieved iconic status.
Did You Know?
TThe original Kings Park Stadium hosted the first post-apartheid football match on July 7, 1992, with South Africa beating Cameroon 1-0.
TThe 70 000-seat 2010 FIFA World Cup™ stadium hosted seven matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, including the semi-final between Spain and Germany.
AA high-tech sky car whisks visitors up the soaring grand arch to a viewing platform at its peak, to soak up 360-degree views of the seafront and the city. There's also a 500-stair adventure walk up the arch, which is sure to get football fans' hearts pumping.
If your heart, lungs and nerves are up to it, then tackle the Big Rush Big Swing − not only the world's only stadium swing, but also the biggest swing of any kind anywhere. It's even in the Guinness Book of Records. Leap into space 106m above the pitch and swing out in a mighty 220m arc under the iconic arch.
In January 2011, the stadium hosted a T20 cricket match between South Africa and India, which was attended by some 54 000 people, a record for a cricket match in Africa. The stadium also hosts live music concerts, festivals and all manner of events.
Named after a stalwart of the armed struggle against apartheid, it is estimated that the creation of the Moses Mabhida Stadium injected some R155 billion directly and indirectly into the Durban region, creating an impressive 14 000 jobs, which have positively impacted on low-income households.
A lively new urban recreation district with sports stores, a gym, a high-performance medical and training sports facility, restaurants, cocktail lounge and children's play area, as well as various entertainment options, is adjacent to the stadium, and has become a popular destination for locals and tourists.
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