Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, World Cup 2010, South Africa

The World Cup in South Africa 2010

Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is about 750 km from Cape Town and is somewhere that we anticipate will be popular with fans - mainly because of its proximity to other attractions such as the malaria-free safari lodges of the Eastern Cape and the popular Garden Route Coastline.

We would anticipate that even fans with no interest in the games in PE may find themselves in the city for a night or 2 as they go on safari or at the end of a coastal tour.

The World Cup In Port Elizabeth

Until now, international football in Port Elizabeth has been played at the Eastern Province Rugby team's ground.

For the World Cup in 2010 a brand new stadium has been built with a capacity of 50,000 people.

The Nelson Mandela Stadium is located in North End and will be host to 5 first-round matches, one second-round, one quarter-final and the third-place playoff.

Expect the bars and restaurants of the Boardwalk area to be a focus for fans between matches, and of course there will be Fan Parks with big screens to keep you up to date with all the action elsewhere in the tournament.

Port Elizabeth Match Schedule

Date	Stadium	Type	Team 1		Team 2
12 June, 13:30	Nelson Mandela Bay	Group B	South Korea	vs	Greece
15 June, 16:00	Nelson Mandela Bay	Group G	Ivory Coast	vs	Portugal
18 June, 13:30	Nelson Mandela Bay	Group D	Germany	vs	Serbia
21 June, 16:00	Nelson Mandela Bay	Group H	Chile	vs	Switzerland
23 June, 16:00	Nelson Mandela Bay	Group C	Slovenia	vs	England
26 June, 16:00	Nelson Mandela Bay	Round of 16 (1)	Winner Group A	vs	2nd Group B
2 July, 16:00	Nelson Mandela Bay	Quarter Final (C)	Winner Game 5	vs	Winner Game 7

Visiting Port Elizabeth During The World Cup

Whilst PE does have a good number of hotels, and guest houses, the number of fans visiting the city during the tournament (escpecially given this will be an obvious stop over for fans in Cape Town wanting to go on a safari) will mean accommodation will be hard to come by.

It is very unlikely that most fans will be able to get their first choice of accommodation, and it may be that people look at staying a little further away and driving in (or getting a private transfer).

Between Games

Fun at the Boardwalk The 'Boardwalk' is an experience in its own right - but as it is owned by the same company who have brought us Sun City, that should not come as too much of a surprise!

The main attractions are shopping for fashion or gifts, dining out in one of the many excellent restaurants offering everything from steak to sushi, catching a movie at the cinema or relaxing in one of the bars, or spending a few hours in the casino with its 747 slot machines and 22 casino tables.

There is even a small outdoor funfair if you feel like releasing your inner child (or indeed have children with you!).

There are a number of good gold courses in the area, including the Humewood Golf Course, which is reckoned to be one of the world's most challenging links courses.

There are plenty of watersports on offer (although it might get a bit chilly in the sea!), and the Seaview Lion Park offers the chance to cuddle a lion cub ... not the same as going on safari, but great fun all the same!

Any Chance of A Safari?

Apart from watching games in the fantastic-looking new Nelson Mandela Stadium, one of the main highlights for fans based in Port Elizabeth for part of the World Cup is bound to be a visit a wildlife park to see some of Africa's magnificent wildlife (including the Big 5) in a malaria-free environment.

The lodges are all easily reached by road in between one and 2 hours, and offer a fully inclusive safari including accommodation, all meals, 2 safari activities or guided game drives per day in 4x4 vehicles, and an optional guided bush walk each day.