FNB Stadium/Soccer City (Johannesburg)

The FNB Stadium is the largest stadium in Africa, opened in 1989 and is used for football and rugby union. It has been as the FNB Stadium since it was opened, following a sponsorship deal with First National Bank. However the stadium is often referred to as Soccer City, as it was known during the 2010 FIFA world Cup or The Calabash – an African pot which inspired the design of the stadium.

The stadium originally had a capacity of 40,000 but was upgraded to just under 95,000 ahead of South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA world Cup. Five group matches (including the opening match in which South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico), a Round of 16 match, the infamous Uruguay quarter-final win over Ghana in which Luis Suarez prevented a goal with his arm and the Final, in which Spain became world champions after a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands after extra time.

10 matches at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations were played at the FNB Stadium, including the Final in which the hosts South Africa won. The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final was also played there, with Nigeria defeating Burkina Faso 1-0.

One of the most supported teams in the country, Kazier Chiefs have also called the FNB Stadium home since its opening. The Soweto Derby between the Chiefs and their rivals Orlando Pirates is played at the stadium, with the fixture in 2015 setting a record attendance of 94,807.

The South Africa national football team does not have a permanent home, however they have a played a number of matches at Soccer City, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in 2013 as well as a 5-0 hammering by Brazil.

Several South Africa international rugby matches have also been played at the Calabash, with the first match in 2010 against New Zealand setting a then stadium record of 94,713 as the All Blacks won 29-22.

The stadium has seen significant historical moments, including Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg upon his release in 1990 and a memorial for him in 2013 following his death.

Tenants: Kaizer Chiefs (Premier Soccer League)

Opened: 1989

Capacity: 94,807

Address: Soccer City Ave, Nasrec, Johannesburg, 2147, South Africa

Tickets at FNB Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs Tickets

Tickets for Kazier Chiefs are available for most matches as the team rarely sells out, with the exception of the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates. Tickets cost R40, further information and booking is available on the official Kazier Chiefs website.

South Africa international football Tickets

Ticket sales for South Africa international matches are announced on the South Africa Football Association website. Tickets for matches in 2019 were sold for R40 and were available at Computicket, as well as Shoprite and Checkers stores countrywide.

South Africa international rugby union Tickets

Springbok ticket sales are handled by the host province, for further information on the latest Springbok ticket sales consult the official website.

FNB Stadium Tour

60 minute stadium tours of the FNB Stadium take place on Thursdays from 09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00. Tickets cost R60 for adults, R40 for senior citizens, R20 for students and R160 for a family (2 adults and 3 children).

For more information and to book, consult the official website here.

Location & Travel to FNB Stadium

The FBB Stadium is located approximately 13 kilometres from Johannesburg city centre in Nasrec, near Johannesburg’s Soweto Township.

Airport – O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is South Africa’s primary international and domestic airport, offering direct flights to destinations on all continents.

From the airport, the Gautrain runs to Sandton in 15 minutes, for connections to Pretoria and Johannesburg change at Marlboro. There are plans for there to be a direct service to Pretoria and Johannesburg from the airport.

Thinking of flying to Johannesburg? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.