The Green Point Athletics Stadium opened next to the Cape Town Stadium a week ago, after a delay of 18 months. It was built on the grounds of the former Green Point Stadium, which location as a World Cup 2014 Stadium was rejected by FIFA CEO Sepp Blatter for not offering the perfect view of Table Mountain!
Mayor Patricia de Lille opened the R85 million upgraded facility, with 4500 seats and an Olympic-quality cobalt blue tartan track, which is intended to be rented out to schools for their athletics events. She said that the facility is world-class, and was built to meet the guidelines of the International Association of Athletics Federation. However, schools have told the Atlantic Sun that the R4000 a day venue rental and R 1600 equipment charge is unaffordable. Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Special Projects Belinda Walker said that the facility could be used at a discounted rate, or at a rate that is waived completely. Mrs Walker said that the Stadium was not intended to make a profit, but does need to cover maintenance costs.
One wonders how the costs of the Green Point Athletics Stadium will be covered, if the neighbouring Cape Town Stadium, also administered by the City of Cape Town, makes a resounding loss every year!
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Tel (021) 433-2100, Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
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