Ellis Park

A cultural and sporting cornerstone for Johannesburg, Ellis Park embodies South Africa’s unity after apartheid—symbolized by the Mandela‑Stransky moment in 1995. Today, it’s a multi‑purpose venue hosting major rugby and football matches, concerts, conferences, and community events. First built using land allocated by J.D. Ellis in 1927; named in his honour. Demolished and rebuilt in 1982 to accommodate modern sports demands. Became the first black‑owned stadium in South Africa in 2005. Six historic Test cricket matches held here between 1948–1954.

Stadium Details

Opened: 1928; Renovations: 1982; Expanded: 2009 for FIFA use
Capacity: 62,567 for rugby and football; capped at ~55,686 during the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Surface: Natural grass
Former names: Coca‑Cola Park (2008–2012); currently called Emirates Airline Park for sponsorship

Home Teams & Sports
Rugby: United Rugby Championship’s Lions & Currie Cup’s Golden Lions
Football: Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League

Historic & Major Events

1995 Rugby World Cup Final: South Africa beat New Zealand 15–12; Nelson Mandela’s iconic trophy presentation took place here
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup: Hosted final & key knockout rounds
2010 FIFA World Cup: One of 10 venues; held five group matches, one round-of-16, and one quarter-final

Concerts & Events:

Whitney Houston performed during her Bodyguard tour in 1994
Hosted the 1985 "Concert in the Park" for charity, drawing ~125,000 attendees

Feature Details

Opened 1928
Capacity ≈62,567
Surface Grass
Main Uses Rugby, Football, Concerts
Home Teams Lions, Golden Lions, Orlando Pirates

Operator: Ellis Park World of Sport

Facilities

Conference suites (up to 1,000 guests), hospitality, media lounges, accessible seating, and enhanced audio systems
Surface & seating: Maintains high-quality grass and modern seats; accessible for disabled patrons since 2009 upgrades

Visiting Tips

Check the Lions or Orlando Pirates official sites for upcoming matches or ticket sales.
Tours & Events: Often available via venue operator bookings.
Nearby: Explore surrounding venues like Johannesburg Stadium and local dining in Doornfontein.

Location

Address: 47 North Park Lane, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Located in the iconic Ellis Park sports precinct, near Johannesburg Stadium (athletics), Standard Bank Arena, and an Olympic-standard swimming complex