Ellis Park Stadium

City: Johannesburg
Built: 1982
Capacity: 61,000

The Ellis Park Stadium was first built in 1928 for use as a rugby union stadium. But in 1982 it was knocked down and rebuilt especially for rugby. Named after JD Ellis a city councilor would allowed the land to be used for a stadium.

The Ellis Park Stadium has hosted some memorable games, in 1995 it was used for the finals of the IRB Rugby World Cup. Also in 1995 Bafana Bafana held Argentina to a 1-1 draw in this stadium and also drew 0-0 with France in 2000 who were the World Cup holders. It also held the farewell match for Nelson Mandela when Mandela African XI played the World All Stars XI.

At present it is the home ground of Orlando Pirates FC who were also the first South African team to win the CAF African Club Championship.

The stadium is has recently had some minor upgrades done to get it ready for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.