Africa is a continent known for its vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. But did you know that it also has some of the best stadiums in the world? From grandiose structures to state-of-the-art facilities, African stadiums are a sight to behold. In this article, we will be exploring the best stadium in Africa and why it stands out among the rest.
The Best Stadium in Africa
When it comes to choosing the best stadium in Africa, there are a few contenders that come to mind. However, one stadium stands out above all others – The FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. This iconic stadium is also known as Soccer City or The Calabash due to its unique design resembling an African pot.
Discover Best Stadium in Africa
The FNB Stadium has been hailed as one of the most beautiful stadiums on the continent and for good reason. With a capacity of 94,736 people, it is not only the largest stadium in South Africa but also on the entire African continent. It was built specifically for hosting major sporting events like football matches and concerts.
The construction of this magnificent structure began back in 1986 and was completed just two years later at a cost of $440 million USD. It first opened its doors for the 1990 CAF Cup Final between Kaizer Chiefs and Nkana Red Devils.
Since then, FNB Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events including international football matches such as FIFA World Cup games and AFCON (African Cup of Nations) finals. It has also welcomed some of the biggest names in music such as U2, Coldplay, Rihanna, and Beyoncé.
Features That Make FNB Stadium Stand Out
Apart from its impressive size and capacity, there are several other features that make FNB Stadium the best stadium in Africa. One of its most notable features is the unique design of its roof. The stadium has a ring-shaped roof that resembles an African calabash, which is a traditional pot used for cooking and carrying water.
The roof also has an opening at the top, allowing natural light to flood the pitch and creating a beautiful effect during daytime events. At night, the stadium lights up in different colors, adding to its already stunning appearance.
Another feature that sets FNB Stadium apart is its state-of-the-art facilities. It has 184 hospitality suites, including 34 corporate suites with private balconies offering spectacular views of the pitch. It also boasts VIP lounges, conference rooms, restaurants, and bars – making it a popular venue for corporate events as well.
Remo Star Stadium
While FNB Stadium may be considered the best stadium in Africa overall, there are other stadiums on the continent that are worth mentioning. One such example is Remo Star Stadium located in Sagamu, Nigeria.
This relatively new stadium was opened in 2015 and is home to Nigerian football club Remo Stars FC. With a capacity of 5,000 people, it may not be as large as FNB Stadium but it certainly holds its own when it comes to modern design and facilities.
Kickoff Nigeria
Kickoff Nigeria is an annual football tournament held at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos State since 2008. This multi-purpose stadium can accommodate up to 25,000 spectators and has hosted various local and international football matches over the years.
One of its standout features is its synthetic turf pitch which allows for better playing conditions even during rainy seasons. The stadium also boasts modern changing rooms for players and officials as well as media facilities for journalists covering matches.
Pros / Cons
As with any stadium, there are both pros and cons to consider. The FNB Stadium’s size and facilities make it a popular venue for events, but this also means that it can get overcrowded and chaotic during major events. On the other hand, smaller stadiums like Remo Star Stadium may not have the same capacity but offer a more intimate experience for spectators.
FAQ
Q: Is FNB Stadium only used for sporting events?
A: While it was primarily built for football matches, FNB Stadium also hosts concerts and other entertainment events.
Q: Can I visit FNB Stadium even if there is no event happening?
A: Yes, visitors can take guided tours of the stadium which include access to the pitch, change rooms, and VIP areas.
Q: Are there any plans to build more stadiums in Africa?
A: Yes, several African countries have plans to build or renovate existing stadiums in preparation for major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and AFCON.
In conclusion, while there are many impressive stadiums in Africa, FNB Stadium stands out as the best among them. With its unique design, state-of-the-art facilities, and ability to host world-class events, it truly is a symbol of African pride. But with ongoing developments in sports infrastructure across the continent, we may soon see more contenders vying for the title of best stadium in Africa.
