Moses Mabhida Stadium
{{Short description| Football stadium in Durban, South Africa}}
{{Use South African English|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name = Moses Mabhida Stadium
| nickname = Stone Arch To Freedom
| image = Moses Mabhida Stadion durban aerial view 1.jpg
| caption = The aerial view of the stadium
| fullname = Moses Mabhida Stadium
| location = 44 Walter Gilbert Road, Stamford Hill, Durban, South Africa
| coordinates = {{Coord|-29.829|31.0303|type:landmark_source:dewiki|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| broke_ground = {{Start date and age|2006}}
| built = 2007–2009
| opened = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2009|11|28}}
| renovated =
| expanded =
| closed =
| demolished =
| owner = eThekwini (Durban Metropolitan UniCity)
| operator =
| surface = Grass
| builder = Group5 WBHO A. Yudishtra and
Philasande Project Managers
| construction_cost = R 3.4 billion
(US$450 million)
| architect = Gerkan, Marg and Partners Theunissen Jankowitz Durban, Ambro-Afrique Consultants, Osmond Lange Architects & Planners, NSM Designs{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
| nicknames =
| tenants = AmaZulu F.C. (2009{{ndash}}present)
Sharks (some matches)
South Africa national soccer team
| website = {{URL|https://www.mmstadium.com/}}
| seating_capacity = 55,500
| dimensions = Stadium: {{cvt|320 x 280 x 45|m}}, Arches: {{cvt|100|m}}
}}
The Moses Mabhida Stadium is a soccer stadium in Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, named after Moses Mabhida, a former general secretary of the South African Communist Party. A multi-use stadium, it became a venue for several events, like bungee jumping, concerts, cricket, soccer, golf practise, motorsports and rugby union.{{cite web |url=http://www.durbansouthafrica.info/moses-mabhida-stadium/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806232536/http://www.durbansouthafrica.info/moses-mabhida-stadium/ |archive-date=6 August 2016 |title=Moses Mabhida Stadium {{!}} Durban South Africa}}
It was one of the host stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium has a capacity of 55,500 (expandable up to 75,000).{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/destination/stadiums/stadium=5018127/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212214208/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/destination/stadiums/stadium=5018127/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-12-12|publisher=FIFA|title=Durban Stadium: the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa|date=2010-12-12|access-date=2018-12-29}} The stadium is adjacent to the Kings Park Stadium, in the Kings Park Sporting Precinct, and the Durban street circuit used for the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.
It includes a sports institute, and a transmodal transport station.{{Cite web|title=Stadium Tours|url=https://www.mmstadium.com/attractions/stadium-tours/|website=Moses Mabhida Stadium|access-date=2020-05-25}}
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.{{Cite news|url=http://www.5stardurban.co.za/durbanthrowbackthursday-moses-mabhida-stadium-from-conception-to-icon/|title=#DurbanThrowbackThursday – Moses Mabhida Stadium from Conception to Icon – 5 Star Durban – Showcasing Beautiful KwaZulu-Natal|date=2014-10-30|work=5 Star Durban – Showcasing Beautiful KwaZulu-Natal|access-date=2018-06-04|language=en-US}}
=Dimensions =
==Arch==
File:Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (19890567824).jpg
Somewhat reminiscent of the famous Wembley Stadium arch, a {{convert|350|m|ft|0|adj=on}} long free and {{convert|105|m|ft|adj=on}} high span arch holds up the roof of the stadium, the top of the arch rises to {{convert|106|m|ft}} above the pitch. The arch also represents the once divided nation coming together, inspired by the South African Flag.{{cite web |url= https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/destination/stadiums/stadium=5018127/index.htm|title=Durban Stadium – Durban |publisher=FIFA |year=2010 |access-date=6 June 2012 |url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100427162528/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/destination/stadiums/stadium=5018127/index.html|archive-date=27 April 2010}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/discover/2010/moses/ |title=Moses Mabhida Stadium |access-date=18 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090228103017/http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/discover/2010/moses |archive-date=28 February 2009 }}
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 {{convert|220|m|ft|adj=on}} arc over the pitch.
==Roof==
Moses Mabhida Stadium roof consists of a {{convert|46000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}, 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 {{convert|80000|m2|sqft}} of floor space within the stadium structure.{{Cite web|title=Design of Moses Mabhida Soccer Stadium, Durban, South Africa|url=http://www.civilprojectsonline.com/mega-civil-projects/design-moses-mabhida-soccer-stadium-fifa-world-cup-2010/|last=Designer|date=2010-06-15|website=Civil Engineering Projects|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-28}}
==Façade==
Over 100 columns surround the stadium. The height of the columns varies around the stadium, but the highest is 46m. In total {{convert|15000|m2|sqft}} 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.{{Cite web|title=Moses Mabhida Stadium|url=https://marketplace.infrastructurephotos.com/downloads/moses-mabhida-stadium-8/|website=MarketPlace.InfrastructurePhotos|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-28}}
=Construction progress =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;" | |||
| Date
!Phase !Description !Status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-07-08 | 1 | Demolition of existing stadium, southern pavilion. | Completed |
| 2006-07-12 | 2 | Demolition of existing stadium, northern pavilion. | Completed |
| 2006-07-23 | 3 | Demolition of existing stadium, main pavilion. | Completed |
| 2007-04-01 | 4 | Construction begins. | Completed |
| 2008-03-20 | 5 | Arch construction begins. | Completed |
| 2009-01-13 | 5 | Arch construction complete. | Completed |
| 2009-01-01 | 6 | Aluminum façade construction begins. | Completed |
| 2009-08-01 | 7 | Roof cable and membrane works begins. | Completed |
| 2009-11-24 | Official completion. | Completed |
=Completion =
Construction of the stadium was officially completed on 24 November 2009{{Cite web|url=http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/986/f345ad8b8fc54031bbaee896303eb426/24-11-2009-09-04/A_defining_moment_for_Durban|title=A defining moment for Durban|access-date=8 May 2023}} and the first official match played there was between Amazulu and Maritzburg United on 29 November, with Maritzburg United winning 1–0.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Soccer/PSL/380/5d0bd8f9695a4752ac41cc31548cef15/29-11-2009-05-49/Maritzburg_win_with_ten_men|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120527054851/http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Soccer/PSL/380/5d0bd8f9695a4752ac41cc31548cef15/29-11-2009-05-49/Maritzburg_win_with_ten_men|url-status=dead|title=Maritzburg win with ten men|archive-date=27 May 2012|access-date=8 May 2023}}
Major events
File:Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (20504209102).jpg
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,{{cite news|title=Durban is #ReadyToInspire, are you?|url=http://www.durban-2022.com/|access-date=24 August 2017|work=Durban-2022|language=en|archive-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630232234/http://www.durban-2022.com/|url-status=dead}} which was awarded to Durban in 2015, however the Commonwealth Games Federation withdrew hosting rights in 2017 due to funding concerns.{{cite news|title=Commonwealth Games: Durban, South Africa will not host Games in 2022|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/39256432|access-date=24 August 2017|publisher=BBC Sport| date=13 March 2017}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://www.supersport.com/football/fixtures.aspx?id=275&db=1&y=2010&m=7 |title=2010 Fifa World Cup SA Fixtures |publisher=Supersport.com |access-date=2010-05-18}} During the World Cup, the stadium was referred to "Durban Stadium".
{{clear}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; width:100%;" | ||||||
| Date
!Time (UTC+2) !Team No. 1 !Result !Team No. 2 !Round !Attendance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 June 2010 | 20:30 | {{fb|GER}} | style="text-align:center;"|4–0 | {{fb|AUS}} | Group D | style="text-align:center;"|62,660 |
| 16 June 2010 | 16:00 | {{fb|ESP}} | style="text-align:center;"|0–1 | {{fb|SUI}} | Group H | style="text-align:center;"|62,453 |
| 19 June 2010 | 13:30 | {{fb|NED}} | style="text-align:center;"|1–0 | {{fb|JPN}} | Group E | style="text-align:center;"|62,010 |
| 22 June 2010 | 20:30 | {{fb|NGA}} | style="text-align:center;"|2–2 | {{fb|KOR|1997}} | Group B | style="text-align:center;"|61,874 |
| 25 June 2010 | 16:00 | {{fb|POR}} | style="text-align:center;"|0–0 | {{fb|BRA}} | Group G | style="text-align:center;"|62,712 |
| 28 June 2010 | 16:00 | {{fb|NED}} | style="text-align:center;"|2–1 | {{fb|SVK}} | Round of 16 | style="text-align:center;"|61,962 |
| 7 July 2010 | 20:30 | {{fb|GER}} | style="text-align:center;"|0–1 | {{fb|ESP}} | Semi-finals | style="text-align:center;"|60,960 |
=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:
{{clear}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; width:100%;" | |||||
| Date
!Team No. 1 !Result !Team No. 2 !Round !Attendance | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2" |23 January 2013 | {{fb|RSA}} | style="text-align:center;"|2–0 | {{fb|ANG}} | rowspan="3" |Group A | style="text-align:center;"|50,000 |
| {{fb|CPV}} | style="text-align:center;"|1–1 | {{fb|MAR}} | style="text-align:center;" |25,000 | ||
| 27 January 2013 | {{fb|MAR}} | style="text-align:center;"|2–2 | {{fb|RSA}} | style="text-align:center;" |45,000 | |
| 28 January 2013 | {{fb|COD}} | style="text-align:center;"|1–1 | rowspan="2" |{{fb|MLI}} | Group B | style="text-align:center;"|8,000 |
| 2 February 2013 | {{fb|RSA}} | style="text-align:center;"|1–1 (a.e.t) (1–3 pen.) | Quarter-final | style="text-align:center;"|45,000 | |
| 6 February 2013 | {{fb|MLI}} | style="text-align:center;"|1–4 | {{fb|NGA}} | Semi-final | style="text-align:center;"|54,000 |
{{wide image|Moses_Mabhida_Stadium_during_2013_Africa_Cup_of_Nations-2013-01-23_RSA_vs_ANG.JPG|300px|Moses Mabhida Stadium during 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.}}
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).https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/soccer/2025-04-16-why-psl-chose-durban-for-derby-final/
Cricket
=Cricket=
{{Infobox cricket ground
| ground_name = Moses Mabhida Stadium
| nickname =
| image =
| caption =
| country = South Africa
| location = Durban, South Africa
| coordinates =
| establishment =
| seating_capacity =
| owner =
| operator =
| architect =
| tenants =
| end1 =
| end2 =
| international = true
| firsttestdate =
| firsttestyear =
| firsttesthome =
| firsttestaway =
| lasttestdate =
| lasttestyear =
| lasttesthome =
| lasttestaway =
| firstodidate =
| firstodiyear =
| firstodihome =
| firstodiaway =
| lastodidate =
| lastodiyear =
| lastodihome =
| lastodiaway =
| onlyt20idate = 9 January
| onlyt20iyear = 2011
| onlyt20ihome = South Africa
| onlyt20iaway = India
| year1 =
| club1 =
| year2 =
| club2 =
| year3 =
| club3 =
| year4 =
| club4 =
| date = 27 December
| year = 2016
| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/ground/463140.html Cricinfo
}}
A single T20I match has been hosted at Moses Mabhida Stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/ground/team-match-results/sa-moses-mabhida-stadium-durban-2539/twenty20-internationals-3|title=SA: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Cricket Ground T20I match team match results|website=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 May 2023}}
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" | |||||
| Team (A) | Team (B) | Winner | Margin | Year | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{cr|RSA}} | {{cr|IND}} | {{cr|IND}} | By 21 runs | 2011 | 55,500 |
The stadium hosted a Twenty20 cricket match between South Africa and India on 9 January 2011.[http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/newsdetails.php?newsId=11973_1288693260 ICC website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324115914/http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/newsdetails.php?newsId=11973_1288693260 |date=24 March 2012 }} 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{{cite web|title=Emotional farewell for Makhaya Ntini|url=http://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas/emotional-farewell-for-makhaya-ntini-1.1009785#.U2y0U1fNmng|access-date=2014-05-09}} which was followed by a concert to celebrate South Africa-India ties.
Concerts and events
| class="wikitable" | ||
| Event/Artist | Tour | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Top Gear Festival | Top Gear Festival Durban | 16–17 June 2012 |
| Chris Brown | Carpe Diem Tour | 17 December 2012 |
| Top Gear Festival | Top Gear Festival Durban | 15–16 June 2013 |
| Nitro Circus | Nitro Circus Live | 19 February 2014 |
| Top Gear Festival | Top Gear Festival Durban | 21–22 June 2014 |
| Lionel Richie | All The Hits All Night Long South African Tour | 13 March 2016 |
| Nicki Minaj | The Pinkprint Tour | 20 March 2016 |
| Mariah Carey | The Sweet Sweet Fantasy Tour | 29 April 2016 |
| Nitro Circus | Nitro Circus Live | 25 October 2017 |
| John Legend | Darkness and Light Tour | 7 November 2017 |
| Cassper Nyovest | Fill Up{{Cite web|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/The-Juice/News/Local/cassper-nyovest-just-made-history-and-this-is-why-20171203|title=Cassper Nyovest just made history – and this is why|last=Magwaza|first=Pam|date=2017-12-03|website=Channel|language=en|access-date=2018-12-29}} | 1 December 2018 |
| Khuzani | #Gcwalisaimabhida | 30 March 2019 |
| Monster Jam
|Monster Jam |6 May 2023 |
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
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Moses Mabhida Stadium}}
- [https://archive.today/20090612050120/http://fifaworldcup.durban.gov.za/Pages/About_the_Stadium.aspx City World Cup Site]
- [http://www.mmstadium.com/ Stadium website]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20190114113128/http://www.bigrush.co.za/ Big Rush - Moses Mabhida]
- [https://cafe.daum.net/stade/Dlwn/25 Photos of Stadiums in South Africa] at [https://cafe.daum.net/stade/ cafe.daum.net/stade]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100602130557/http://www.360southafrica.com/virtual-tours-of-attractions/moses-mabhida-stadium-in-durban 360 degree Virtual Tour of Moses Mabhida Stadium] (6 locations)
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100425071959/http://in3sixty.com/cms/manager/share/id/2a8bb725-fa31-1879-2321-dcc5a00ffee8 360 View]
- [https://archive.today/20121208155120/http://www.paperlandmarks.com/durban-stadium.htm Kirigami model of Durban stadium]
{{World Cup 2010 stadiums}}
{{2013 Africa Cup of Nations stadiums}}
Category:Soccer venues in South Africa
Category:Cricket grounds in South Africa
Category:Sports venues in Durban
Category:Multi-purpose stadiums in South Africa
Category:Sports venues completed in 2009
Category:Music venues in South Africa
Category:2009 establishments in South Africa