The Soccer City in SA - Why it's the largest on the continent

General View of the Soccer City before the start of the 2010 World Cup - Getty

The First National Bank Stadium or FBN Stadium, also called the Soccer City and The Calabash was opened in 1989.

The stadium is located in Nasrec, bordering
the Soweto area of Johannesburg, South Africa. It has a capacity of 94,736 (after upgrade in 2009).

The Edifice is managed by Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) and is a home of Kaizer Chiefs F.C. in the South African Premier Soccer League as well as key fixtures for the South African National Football Team nicknamed the Bafana Bafana.

Building  (upgrade) of the Stadium:

The First National Bank Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - Getty

• Originally built in 1987 (underwent major upgrade for 2010 World Cup).
• GLTA, the South African main contractor part of the Aveng Group in a joint venture with the Dutch company BAM who had a 25% stake, constructed the upgrade.
• Designed by the architects HOK Sport (renamed Populous in January 2009) and Boogertman + Partners.
• The upgrade included:
(1) an extended upper tier around the stadium to increase its capacity from 80,000 (2) additional 2 executive suites
(3) an encircling roof
(4) new changing room facilities
(5) new floodlights

The building (upgrade) was completed on Wednesday, 21 October 2009.

Major Events hosted at the Stadium:

From Up: General view of the Soccer City (aka The Calabash) during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Andres Iniesta lifts the 2010 FIFA World Cup Trophy as he celebrates with teammates - Getty

• 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (Football)
• 2010 World Cup (Football)
• 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Football)
• Linkin Park - Living Things World Tour (Entertainment) November 2012
• Lady Gaga -Born This Way Ball (Entertainment) November 2012
• Beyonce & Jay Z - On The Run II Tour (Entertainment) December 2018
• Pastor Chris Oyakhilome - Night of Bliss (Christian Gathering) January 2016