Moses Mabhida Stadium

History

This newly built stadium is located on the grounds of the Kings Park Soccer Stadium, in the Durban sports precinct in the suburb of Stamford Hill. The stadium had the capacity to hold 62,760 spectators during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Its design allows the stadium seating to be adjusted; 55,500 for local matches or up to 75,000 for events such as the Commonwealth Games. It has two permanent tiers of seating, a temporary third one was added for the World Cup.

There are 120 corporate hospitality suites with 7,500 seats.

Dimensions

Stadium: 320m×280m×45m

Arch

Somewhat reminiscent of the famous Wembley Stadium arch, a 350 m long free and 105 m high span arch holds up the roof of the stadium, the top of the arch rises to 106 m above the pitch. The arch also represents the once divided nation coming together, inspired by the South African Flag. The arch consists of a 5×5m steel hollow box and weighs 2,600 tonnes. A funicular carries visitors from the north side of the stadium to a viewing platform at the top of the arch, offering a view over city and ocean. The south side features a 550-step adventure walk. On 24 February 2010 the world's largest swing opened at the stadium. The swing allows clients to jump off the 4th ladder rung and fall toward the pitch before being swung out in a 220 m arc over the pitch.

Roof

Moses Mabhida Stadium roof consists of a 46000 m2, Teflon-coated, glass-fibre membrane which produce a translucent glow when the stadium is lit. These are attached to the arch by 95mm diameter steel cables. The roof covers 88% of the seats.

Bowl

Around the perimeter, 1,750 columns and 216 raking beams provides the main support. Around the field, 900m of retaining walls stretches 8m high. A total of 1,780 pre-cast concrete seating panels creates the bowl form. There are over 80000 m2 of floor space within the stadium structure.

Façade

Over 100 columns surround the stadium. The height of the columns varies around the stadium, but the highest is 46m. In total 15000 m2 of façade surround the stadium. A total of 550 aluminium fins fit between the main columns. Perforated metal sheeting was placed between the aluminium fins, where required.

Completion

Construction of the stadium was officially completed on 24 November 2009 and the first official match played there was between Amazulu and Maritzburg United on 29 November, with Maritzburg United winning 1–0.

Major events

In December 2015, the award-winning gospel ensemble Joyous Celebration recorded their first outdoor recording for Joyous Celebration 20 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

2022 Commonwealth Games

The stadium had been scheduled to host the opening ceremony and athletics events of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which was awarded to Durban in 2015, however the Commonwealth Games Federation withdrew hosting rights in 2017 due to funding concerns.

Tournament results

2010 FIFA World Cup

The stadium was one of the venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and hosted five group games, one round game and a semi-final match. During the World Cup, the stadium was referred to "Durban Stadium".

2013 African Cup of Nations

Moses Mabhida Stadium served as one of the venues for the 2013 African Cup of Nations. It hosted 4 group games, 1 quarter final and a semi final. The games were:

Soccer

The stadium is the current home ground of Premiership team AmaZulu. It hosted seven matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and frequently hosts cup finals (19 finals since 2010 as of May 2025).

Cricket

Cricket

A single T20I match has been hosted at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The stadium hosted a Twenty20 cricket match between South Africa and India on 9 January 2011. The match was played for the Krish Mackerdhuj Trophy, which India won by 21 runs. The stadium witnessed the biggest ever crowd for a cricket match on the African continent which was followed by a concert to celebrate South Africa-India ties.

Royalty

On October 29, 2022, the coronation of new appointed King Misuzulu took place at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This was the first to take place after Apartheid had ended.

Concerts and events

Future

The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is planned to undergo a R236 million upgrade to enhance its appeal and functionality. The revamp includes a new Sky Car with an accessible cabin, increased wind tolerance, and a larger viewing platform with a glass "Air Walk." Other attractions include a new Big Swing, sea-facing bungee jump, a zip line ending at People’s Park, and dramatic views from a Compression Ring Walk. These upgrades aim to boost the stadium's commercial viability, structural integrity, and visitor safety . These plans were revealed by eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba. Construction is planned to start soon.

References

References

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