Playing host to five group stage matches and one round of 16 match at World Cup 2010 is Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Free State Stadium, also known as Vodacom Park, is another venue that earned the chance to be both a Confederations Cup and World Cup venue. It hosted three Confederations Cup group stage matches, and it also was the site of the U.S.’ stunning semifinal upset of Spain.
The stadium, which was built in 1952, underwent several upgrades to be ready for 2010. The major change was the addition of a second tier to the west side’s main grandstand, which increased the stadium’s net capacity from 36,538 to 45,000 (and a gross capacity of 48,000). Along with that addition, electronic scoreboards were installed, the sound system, floodlights, CCTV, and media facilities received an upgrade, and new turnstiles were also added.
Free State Stadium serves as one of two home grounds for Premier Soccer League side Bloemfontein Celtic, and it’s also the main home ground for rugby union sides Free State Cheetahs and Central Cheetahs.
In the past, Free State Stadium hosted group and quarterfinal matches for the African Cup of Nations in 1996, and it also hosted Pool C matches in the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
See all 2010 World Cup Stadiums.
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