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Port Elizabeth is one of the Host Cities for the 2010 World Cup™ that required a brand new stadium to be built in order to accommodate the influx of fans as well as the games that will be played here. There were some doubts expressed about the financing and the timing of such a stadium but, in true Nelson Mandela Bay style, this Host City has surpassed expectations in its own quiet dignity.
Kate Els, from www.travelhub.co.za, recently commented on Port Elizabeth’s performance and attitude regarding the construction of the stadium and the general attitude of those involved: “This is an unassuming city that has quietly got on with developing a tourism industry, making itself attractive to investors, cleaning up its act and staying out of trouble. And all of this without fuss or fanfare.
Recently, I had to do an article on the 2010 World Cup stadia - their identities and their progress. I did not look forward to this assignment, as getting anything interesting out of anyone to do with the World Cup is as challenging as interviewing the Yeti. Most 2010 personnel are just too high up in their ivory towers to talk to us mere mortals down below. The 2010 head of planning for Port Elizabeth is a Mr Errol Heynes. When I telephoned him, he answered the phone straight away, listened politely to my request for information, and within an hour had sent me a well-written answer to my question about the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium. This was a week ago and I am still trying to get anyone from any of the other host cities to give me the time of day.”
Recognising Port Elizabeth’s professionalism and efficiency instils a deep faith in the minds of locals, tourists and stakeholders that, not only is this Host City ready for the 2010 World Cup™, but it is also committed to creating a special, sustainable destination for tourists long after the games.
The Travelhub article also mentions Mr Heynes as asserting that such a stadium is absolutely necessary for a metropole of this size, and Port Elizabeth continues to grow and develop. He believes that such a facility “is going to be a big drawcard for exhibition games in all the sporting codes.”
One of the unique features of this stadium, as Mr Heynes stated, is its idyllic setting between the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the fresh-water lake of North End. According to this article, “the building is designed to open up to resemble a sunflower in bloom, which is the emblem of the Eastern Cape (the Sunshine Coast). It is a landmark, being visible from everywhere in the city and the first thing you see if you arrive in PE on the N2 from the east.”
Of course, Port Elizabeth, the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole and their greater surrounds in general boast many more attractions that rival some of the best facilities in the world. These include game parks that are home to some of Africa’s most impressive fauna and flora, beach resorts, surfing hotspots and 5-star spas and resorts. An increasing number of people from around the world are recognising Port Elizabeth as a top destination. So, it is with a great deal of excitement and a sense of confidence that Nelson Mandela Bay welcomes athletes and visitors in 2010 and beyond.
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