We always hear about the size of stadiums across Europe, Asia, US and many more, except for Africa. When did you last hear someone mention how much they ‘loved their experience at X stadium’ in an African country? We’re surrounded by so much beauty, and I thought it’s never a bad time to highlight our successes and take a moment to look at our continent's success.
According to Bragg's Sports, these are the top five most expensive stadiums across Africa:
Coming in at number one, my very own hometown tops off the chart, Cape Town Stadium! At an estimated cost of $600 million, it can house up to 55,000 (maximum capacity extends to over 69,000!). It’s in the heart of Cape Town, and sits on a prestigious piece of land in Green Point, Cape Town. It is now the home of local Cape Town football champs, Cape Town City FC.
Number two, we have Moses Mabhida Stadium! Another one of our World Cup gems. This stadium seats 54,000, and costs +-$450 million! It’s named after Moses Mabhida, a former General Secretary of the South African Communist Party, and it’s used as a multipurpose venue that hosts concerts, cricket, football, motorsports, rugby and more! During the 2010 FIFA World Cup the stadium hosted up to 62,000 attendees.
South African stadiums wrap up the top three, with the FNB (First National Bank) Stadium taking up third spot at a value of $440 million. It’s a local fan favourite and in local South African circles it’s nicknamed “Soccer City”. It’s the largest stadium in Africa with a capacity of 94,000 attendees and is the home to local South African football giants, Kaizer Chiefs F.C and the South African National Football Team. It’s a gem of a stadium and a must see.
Nigeria’s Moshood Abiola National Stadium (Abuja National Stadium) comes in as Africa’s fourth most expensive stadium ever built, with a construction value at $360 million. It’s no small feat, with a capacity of over 60,000, hosting Nigeria’s football team and featured in the 8th All Africa Games in 2003. It’s another multisport venue and features both international and local talent.
Closing off our top five, we have Olembe Stadium, also known as Paul Biya Stadium, in the heart of Cameroon. It may be central Africa, but this giant continues to remain under construction and has a current capacity of 60,000 (valued at +$320 million). This giant sits just outside of the city center and includes a fully-loaded stadium complex featuring multiple sports disciplines.
To read up more on Africa’s top stadiums, check out the article here.
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