FIFA World Cup 2010: Johannesburg

Soccer City in Johannesburg is the largest Soccer Stadium in Africa with a capacity of 94,700 - it's HUGE and is in the Top Ten Biggest Soccer Stadiums in the World!

The stadium was originally built in 1986 and is not only a soccer venue but has hosted the funeral of Chris Hani (an Apartheid Struggle hero). It was also the first place that Nelson Mandela spoke at following his release from prison.

The stadium was massively overhauled in order to host the world cup and, as part of this, the capacity was also increased.

In designing how the stadium would look, architects took inspiration from an African Pot used by the Zulu's who were the original inhabitants of the Northern parts of South Africa.

Johannesburg itself is an interesting place. It's one of the worlds biggest cities but it wasn't built near a water source - water is collected in man made dams or is piped in from other areas. The city was founded due to the mineral wealth of the area and is well known for it's Gold and Diamond mines.

Johannesburg even found itself on the international map recently, following the release of a South African film where it was featured as the landing place of extra-terrestrials called "the prawns". The international blockbuster hit is titled "District 9" and stars Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope and David James. The movie was nominated for four Academy Awards in 2010, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Visual Effects, and Best Editing.

However, unfortunately for you, the only Alien's you will see there during the World Cup season will be fellow visitors from other countries!