The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a football and rugby union venue, opened in 2009 ahead of the country hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium is named after the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality in which it is located and was built to replace the EPRU Stadium, which would of required total redevelopment in order to meet FIFA standards.
The stadium was due to host matches for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup but was replaced as it was believed it would not be ready on time. The stadium still hosted five groups matches at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a Round of 16 match, the Quarter-final in which the Netherlands defeated Brazil 2-1 on their way to the Final and the 3rd/4th Place Play-off in which Germany narrowly defeated Uruguay 3-2.
Eight matches of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations were held at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – six group matches, a quarter-final and the 3rd/4th place play-off match in which Mali defeated Ghana 3-1.
The Premier Soccer League club Chippa United started playing the majority of their matches in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in 2014 after relocation from Cape Town. The South Africa international team, Bafana Bafana have also played a number of matches in the stadium, the first being a 0-0 draw with Japan in November 2009.
The stadium is also used for rugby union, with the Eastern Province Elephants beginning to play domestic Currie Cup matches at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in 2009. The Southern Kings also called the stadium home, playing their first match against the British and Irish Lions in a 20-8 loss in June 2009. The Kings played in Super Rugby in 2013, 2016 and 2017, joining the Pro14 ahead of the 2017-2018 season before ceasing operations in 2020.
Springboks matches have been hosted in the stadium, the first being a test match between South Africa and New Zealand in August 2011 and has gone on to host matches with Argentina, Australia, England, Ireland and Scotland. The South Africa Sevens of the Sevens World Series was also hosted there from 2011 to 2014 before moving to Cape Town Stadium.
Tenants: Chippa United (Football – Premier Soccer League) & Eastern Province Elephants (Currie Cup)
Opened: 2009
Capacity: 46,000
Address: 70 Prince Alfred Rd, North End, Port Elizabeth, 6001, South Africa
Tickets at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Chippa United Tickets
Tickets for Chippa United matches are usually sold for R40 and are available to purchase through Ticketpro.
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 here.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Tour
30 minute stadium tours of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 11am and 3pm. To book a tour, call the stadium on 041 408 8900.
Location & Travel to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is located in North End, approximately 3 kilometres north of the city centre of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province.
Airport – The Port Elizabeth Airport is the fourth busiest airport in South Africa but only dealing with domestic flights from Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg. If flying internationally, you will have to transfer at Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg.
Thinking of flying? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.
Parking – A limited number of car parking spaces are available at the stadium or at Sydenham Primary School on match day.
Train – The Port Elizabeth railway station has daily intercity trains to Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, along with the Metrorail Eastern Cape commuter service. The closest station to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is North End station, one stop away from Port Elizabeth on the line to Uitenhage.
Hotels near Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Port Elizabeth by clicking here.
Further Information
Nelson Mandela Bay Official Website
Chippa United Official Website
Eastern Province Elephants Official Website
Sports Tourist Port Elizabeth City Guide
Last Updated on February 2, 2023 by Sports Tourist