Emirates Airline Park
Emirates Airline Park, also popularly known by its old name Ellis Park Stadium, was constructed in 1928 and named for JD Ellis who initially made the land for the stadium available. Over the years, the stadium has been the site of many milestones in South African sporting history, most memorably that 1995 Rugby World Cup Final – South Africa’s first major international sporting achievement after years of isolation.
On the world stage
1995 Rugby World Cup
On 24 June 1995, the South African Springboks defeated New Zealand’s All Blacks 15-12 in the Rugby World Cup at this stadium. Minutes after Joel Stransky’s heart-grabbing, last-gasp drop kick that won the match, the game made international news headlines when the country’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, walked onto the pitch in that now legendary green and gold Springbok jersey to present the trophy to team captain Francois Pienaar.
The stadium – and the country – roared with joy and pride and millions of people of all races who’d been glued all afternoon to their TVs and radios celebrated together: a key stepping stone towards the creation of a united South Africa. The event became the theme of a book (Playing the Enemy) in 2008, followed by a Hollywood film adaptation, "Invictus", in 2009 and an ESPN TV documentary (The 16th Man) in 2010.
2009 FIFA Confederation Cup
In 2009, the stadium played host to the FIFA Confederations Cup™ final. The stadium was upgraded prior to the event, considered a dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup™ in 2010, during which the stadium also hosted numerous international football matches.
World Class
First black-owned stadium in SA
In 2005, Ellis Park Stadium made history by becoming the first black-owned stadium in South Africa. Accommodating around 60,000 spectators, ongoing upgrades, renovations and safety reviews confirm Emirates Airlines Park reputation as one of the best stadiums in the world.
Home to the Lions
It is home to the Emirates Lions (Vodacom United Rugby Championship) and Sigma Lions teams (Carling Currie Cup).
Endless hosting possibilities
Although used primarily for rugby games, it also hosts other large scale events such as international soccer matches and concerts and is a popular location for corporate and business events.
Ideal for corporate functions
With nine conference venues which can hold up to 1,000 people at a time, and executive suites and banqueting facilities overlooking the pitch, Emirates Airline Park is state-of-the-art ready for any event; be it business, sport or entertainment. Click below for more information or to book a venue.
View Gallery
Walk in their footsteps
A behind the scenes tour of the stadium is a wonderful experience where you’ll visit the changing rooms, commentary booths, the dugout and the pitch, and hear tales of great sporting dramas and victories along the way.
The tour highlight is the Ellis Park Rugby Museum which showcases over 100 years of rugby history.
The Museum has a huge and fascinating collection of memorabilia relating to the stadium, South Africa’s greatest sporting legends and rare artifacts from New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and France, to name just a few countries of international rugby fame.
More about the museumDirections to the stadium
Directions from Johannesburg NORTH
Directions from Johannesburg SOUTH
Directions from Johannesburg WEST
Directions from Johannesburg EAST
Emirates airline park disaster plan Match ticket & stadium rules
Ellis Park Arena
The Ellis Park Arena (previously known as Standard Bank Arena) is an indoor sporting arena that forms part of the Ellis Park World of Sports Precinct in Doornfontein.
It hosts a wide range of events and provides world class sporting and concert facilities. There are 4,300 permanent seats which give all spectators an unobstructed view. There are also retractable seats on the east and west side on the floor for an additional 850 spectators. Chairs can also be placed on the floor up to a maximum of 1,200 making the total capacity of the Ellis Park Arena approximately 6,300. There is a covered walkway around the Arena which includes a theatre-style foyer, a fully licensed bar, refreshment outlets and subsidiary entertainment areas.
An ideal entertainment venue
The Ellis Park Arena is an excellent venue for corporate and sports hospitality events, as well as concerts and rallies, even birthday or anniversary celebrations. Several suites are perfect for a more cocktail-themed event, and are ideal for private functions. These include the Donald Ross Room which accommodates 100 people and the VIP suite and the Media Centre each accommodating 200 people. The main foyer can accommodate up to 1 000 people making it ideal for any larger event. To request a quote, make a booking, or find out more, contact us now, and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Johnannesburg Stadium
The Ellis Park Arena (previously known as Standard Bank Arena) is an indoor sporting arena that forms part of the Ellis Park World of Sports Precinct in Doornfontein.
It hosts a wide range of events and provides world class sporting and concert facilities. There are 4,300 permanent seats which give all spectators an unobstructed view. There are also retractable seats on the east and west side on the floor for an additional 850 spectators. Chairs can also be placed on the floor up to a maximum of 1,200 making the total capacity of the Ellis Park Arena approximately 6,300. There is a covered walkway around the Arena which includes a theatre-style foyer, a fully licensed bar, refreshment outlets and subsidiary entertainment areas.
An ideal entertainment venue
The Ellis Park Arena is an excellent venue for corporate and sports hospitality events, as well as concerts and rallies, even birthday or anniversary celebrations. Several suites are perfect for a more cocktail-themed event, and are ideal for private functions. These include the Donald Ross Room which accommodates 100 people and the VIP suite and the Media Centre each accommodating 200 people. The main foyer can accommodate up to 1 000 people making it ideal for any larger event. To request a quote, make a booking, or find out more, contact us now, and we’ll be in touch shortly.
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