The Ellis Park World of Sports precinct incorporates Coca-Cola Park, Standard Bank Arena, Ellis Park Tennis Stadium and the world class Ellis Park swimming pool and is situated to the north east of Johannesburg City Centre.
Coca-Cola Park, previously known as Ellis Park Stadium, is synonymous with rugby. In 1995 rugby fever hit the country with South Africa’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup and Coca-Cola Park was the venue for the World Cup Final which was played on the 24th June 1995. In this spectacular final, starting with the Boeing Jumbo Jet 747 flyover, South Africa just managed to topple New Zealand 15-12, but the real victory was the support for the team by all South Africans, the first such occasion in the country. Nelson Mandela was there to hand the trophy to the captain Francois Pienaar – what an experience!
Coca-Cola Park did receive a partial make-over for the Fifa World Cup, and the square that marks the source of the Jukskei River is decorated with a number of public artworks.
The excellent security aspects of Coca-Cola Park, which can accommodate up to 60000 seated and 10000 standing, does not detract from the superb viewing from the entire stadium’s seating. The electronic scoreboard is one of the largest in South Africa and has display clarity of incredible quality, coupled with superior lighting on the field. The latest electro acoustical sound system covers all areas of the stadium and is decentralized which limits echoing.
There are easy to access catering points around the concourse of the stadium. Glass fronted hospitality suites and VIP lounges that overlook the pitch area, are ideal venues for corporate entertainment and hospitality. The press and media are also provided for with well-equipped commentary positions, exclusive media areas and interview rooms.
The stadium can be used for multipurpose events such as rugby, soccer, boxing, wrestling, exhibitions, banquets, arts and culture festivals and community events.
Coca-Cola Park offers one of the biggest conferencing facilities in Gauteng, hosting up to 1000 people at a time with numerous break-away rooms, world class facilities, catering for all tastes and professional, well trained staff. With nine different conference venues to choose from, one is spoilt for choice and may arrange almost any kind of event or function.
Directions: Take the Joe Slovo Road off ramp, Follow Joe Slovo Road passing Ponte Tower on your right hand side. Just after Ponte Tower turn Left into Beit Street or Currey Street, both of which lead onto Coca-Cola Park.
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