Loftus Versfeld (Pretoria/Tshwane)

Loftus Versfeld is the major stadium in Tshwane (used to be called Pretoria).

Upgrades for Soccer World Cup 2010

In order to qualify for selection as a first and second round venue the floodlights, sound system and scoreboard will be upgraded and designated media areas will be constructed in the lower level of the west stand.

"According to the requirements we were given, our lights have to operate at 1 500 lux and at the moment they operate at 1 000 lux. There are two ways we can overcome this. One is to tear down our current lighting and replace it with new pylons, or to build a roof over the eastern stand and put lights in the roof. We would obviously prefer the second approach as it has more long-term benefits for the stadium." stadium manager Hugo Kemp said.

OR Tambo International Airport

Time-line

Upgades to Loftus Versfeld are expected to be completed by 2009.

Home ground

It is home to the Bulls rugby team and the Sundowns Football Club.

References

1984	The northern pavilion was upgraded.
May 1932	Mr Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, a sports administrator, suffered a heart attack in the east stand and died, in tribute to him the stadium was renamed after him.
1928	Toilets and a changing room were installed.
1923	The first concrete structure, which could accommodate 2000 people, was erected by the City Council
1906	Field started being used for sport, and was known as the "Eastern Sports Ground"

Transport system upgrades

A major overhaul of the Tshwane Metro area's transport system is planned for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The project includes:

building an overhead pedestrian linkage between the University of Pretoria/Loftus Station and Loftus Versfeld Stadium
the development of a rail corridor between Hammanskraal and Mabopane stations
building a transport facility at Wonderboom Airport to cater for minibuses, buses and metered taxis
the upgrading of Hans Strijdom Drive up to Trichard Road

The Metro Council has proposed the following stadiums as training venues