Following the opening match between Mexico and host country South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, the first portion of our group will embark on the lovely trip to Atlanta and finally Johannesburg – or is that Ghana, Tom King?
So without further ado, let's take another look at another stadium that we will soon experience – Royal Bafokeng Stadium – located in Rustenburg, South Africa.
With a capacity (44,530) on the smaller side, Royal Bafokeng will play host to the USA vs. England game on Saturday at 1:30pm. For World Cup play, the stadium underwent a $48 million makeover for the tournament, an upgrade involving an enlarged main stand and new cantilever roof, floodlights and scoreboard. Our group was fortunate enough to get tickets for the Mexico vs. Uruguay match (6.22), so be sure to check back here often for some photos and maybe even video of Taylor shirtless singing his native chants. Stay tuned.
Did you know? The original construction was completely funded by the Royal Bafokeng community, who in 1999 won the legal right to 20% of the income from platinum mined on their land. Read more about Royal Bafokeng here.
Until next time...
Ghana, a republic in West Africa comprising the former colonies of the Gold Coast and Ashanti, the protectorate of the Northern Territories, and the U.N. trusteeship of British Togoland: member of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1957.
ReplyDeleteA 12 hour stopover was originally planned in this beautiful country, an opportunity to meet the local people and experience the warmth and hospitality of western Africa. Alas, it was not meant to be, instead we must travel direct to Joburg.
This group of academics have missed a golden opportunity. No doubt Taylor will help fill in the blanks.