World Cup 2010 Stadiums: Free State Stadium (Bloemfontein)

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, also known as Vodacom Park for sponsorship reasons, takes its name from the province in which it is located.

This venue has hosted games in both the Rugby World Cup in 1995 and the African Cup of Nations in 1996, making it a relative veteran on the South African sporting scene. For this World Cup, Free State Stadium's capacity will be increased from 38,000 to 48,000 spectators, which an extra tier of seating being added to stadium's main (west) stand. In addition, new turnstiles and colour scoreboards will be installed along with CCTV, bringing the ground in line with FIFA regulations.

The home ground for Bloemfontein Celtic has cost a total of R245m to upgrade, with R24m of that amount coming from the city council, to cover an overspend on the developers part.

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As with many of the World Cup stadiums, Bloemfontein's ground is surrounded with an entertainment precinct. This includes a multiplex sports complex for athletics, hockey, tennis and cricket and a major shopping centre. There is also an inner city zoo, all located within a radius of 300m from the stadium.

South Africa play one of their final group game of the World Cup at the Free State Stadium on 22 June, 2010.

Stadium Access

Free State Stadium is located is central Bloemfontein, with nearby tourist attractions including the Kingspark Zoological Gardens, Springbok Park, the National Museum and Du Plessis Theatre.

Park & Ride areas for the World Cup in Bloemfontien are at the following locations: The Windmill Casino between the N1 and city centre, Northridge Mall situated adjacent to Eufees Road, University of the Free State which is West of Bloemfontein and the Old Bloemfontein Race Course situated on the N8 near Bloemfontein Airport.

Furthermore Park & Walk Sites are at Fontein Street Municipal Garage, Grey School College, St Andrew School, HTS Louis Botha School and Dr Viljoen School.

Bloemfontein is served by a national airport, which has undergone redevelopment ahead of the World Cup. Taxis and shuttle buses are available at the airport, along with the standard selection of car hire services. The airport is just 6 miles outside the city centre.

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See an access map to the stadium

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