The future of the Cape Town Stadium after its use for the World Cup is uncertain.   SAIL Stadefrance, the operators of the Stadium on behalf of the City of Cape Town, plans to host 18 events in the Stadium in 2011, but the nature of the events has not been declared, reports the People’s Post.

SAIL Stadefrance entered into an agreement with the City of Cape Town, to manage Cape Town Stadium, paying a rent of R1 (!!!) per annum, for a 30-year lease period.   The company must pass on 30 % of its revenue to the City; must pay R45000 in parking fees per event, for 3000 temporary parking bays around the Stadium; must invest R 10 million in capital improvements;  must pay for maintenance, cleaning, security, municipal rates and taxes, maintenance of the pitch; fit out 134 suites; responsible for security and cleansing of the Green Point Park.  

It has been confirmed that rugby will not move from Newlands to the Cape Town Stadium, and that soccer will continue to be played at the Athlone Stadium after the World Cup.  Cape Town Stadium would be likely to be a “multipurpose venue” for events and concerts, and a “…a few international sporting events” are also hoped for.

The planned events will be a mixture of six “major” (35 000 – 55 000 spectators), six “medium-size” (25 000  – 35 000) and six “small” (5 000 – 25 000 spectators) events.  The nature of the events has not been announced.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com