Loftus Versfeld Stadium History

Stadium Overview

Through the years the stadium has undergone various name changes as sponsors came and went, but locals have always referred as Loftus Versfeld. Minimal upgrading will be required for the World Cup, where it will host first and second round matches. It is also a venue for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. This was the site of South Africa’s historic 1-0 win over Sweden, the first time they had achieved victory over an European team.

In the city of Tshwane (Pretoria), Loftus Versfeld is situated 5 km from the city centre. To qualify for selection as a first and second round venue the floodlights, sound system and scoreboard at Loftus Versfeld will be upgraded and designated media areas will be constructed in the lower level of the west stand. Upgades to Loftus are expected to be completed by 2009. Loftus is the homeground of the Sundowns Football Club, one of South Africa’s premiere professional clubs. Since 1977 Loftus Versfeld has undergone many renovations and its four major stands have been completely rebuilt.

Loftus boasts the country's finest corporate hospitality facilities and will only have to undergo minimal upgrades in order to meet FIFA's stringent requirements for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

Stadium History

Loftus Versfeld Stadium is a sports stadium situated in Pretoria, South Africa. The stadium has a capacity of 50,000 and is an all seater venue. The stadium was named after Mr Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, the founder of organised sports in Pretoria and a man who dedicated many years of his life to rugby union. It is also the home of two major rugby union teams.

Through the years the stadium has undergone various name changes as sponsors came and went, though locals have always referred to the stadium as Loftus Versfeld. From 11 June 1998 to 4 February 2003 the stadium was officially named Minolta Loftus after Minolta had become the stadiums name sponsor. Sponsorship was taken over by security giant Securicor, who announced the name Securicor Loftus on the 5th of February 2003. On the 1st of September 2005 the renaming process went full circle when cellular provider Vodacom, taking over sponsorship from Securicor, renamed the stadium back to the original Loftus Versfeld.

Seating Chart

Seating Chart not available. The Loftus Versfeld Stadium is under construction.

Map

City Information

Tshwane/Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. The city is colourful, with a lot of museums and monuments. Pretoria is situated in the transitional area between the Highveld and the Bushveld, 50 km North of Johannesburg. The city’s top team, Sundowns, were runners up in the 2001 CAF Champions League. They have been nicknamed 'the Brazilians' because of their blue and yellow kit. Pretoria University has the largest sports excellence school in the country and the highest number of female football players.

Area Pubs

Travel Tips

Important Links

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loftus_Versfeld_Stadium