Durban's state-of-the-art Moses Mabhida stadium was officially opened on Tuesday (November 24) and is prepared to host its first event on November 29.
The stadium, which currently has a capacity of 54,000 which will rise to 69,000 for the World Cup, is also a multi-purpose venue with conference facilities and retail space.
Following the opening soccer match between two South African Premier Soccer League sides the stadium will be stress tested with concerts and more games to ensure it will be ready for the World Cup finals.
One of the most striking features of the venue is an arch that soars above the stadium which allows visitors to see panoramic views of the city of Durban via a cable car.
The new stadium is built on the site of the old Kings Park stadium and makes Durban one of the few African cities that can host most Olympic disciplines within a single city precinct. City officials have in the past hinted at a future Olympic bid.
Moses Mabhida, after whom the stadium is named, is a deceased former leader of the South African Communist Party.
The stadium is one of the nine South African venues that are due to host World Cup games in June and July 2010.
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