The new Cape Town Stadium will be completed on 14 December, says the City of Cape Town’s Director of Communications, Pieter Cronje, reports Southern African Tourism Update.
Cronje estimates that 80 % of the 450 000 estimated 2010 World Cup visitors will come to Cape Town before, during or after the event. Cape Town’s success will depend on the service excellence and hospitality of all Capetonians, Cronje said. “If we get that right, the benefit will be repeat visitors and overseas investments” he is quoted as saying.
The FIFA Final Draw on 4 December, which will take place in Cape Town, will be televised live to 130 million soccer fans around the world, with a public viewing TV screen on Long Street. A festival week is planned at that time, the Christmas lights being switched on on 29 November, and will reflect a 2010 World Cup theme, a Sony FIFA pitch is to be opened in the V & A Waterfront, and the Khayalitsha Football for Hope community center will open.
During the soccer tournament , the Grand Parade Fan Park will operate from 10h00 – midnight every day, with free access, entertainment and music. Smaller public viewing areas are at Vygieskraal in Athlone, the Bellville Velodrome, and at OR Tambo Swartklip on the Cape Flats, but these will only screen Cape Town-based matches, the semi-finals, and the final match.
Special shuttle buses will run between the airport and the city centre and the stadium during the tournament, Cronje said.
The 2010 World Cup runs from 11 June – 11 July.
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com
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