Where is fnb stadium located

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: FNB Stadium is located in Nasrec, Johannesburg, South Africa, approximately 10 kilometers southwest of the city center. It was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at a cost of R3.3 billion and opened on October 30, 2009, with a seating capacity of 94,736, making it the largest stadium in Africa.

Key Facts

Located in Nasrec, Johannesburg, South Africa
Built for 2010 FIFA World Cup at cost of R3.3 billion
Opened on October 30, 2009
Seating capacity of 94,736
Largest stadium in Africa

Overview

FNB Stadium, officially known as Soccer City during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is a premier sports and entertainment venue located in the Nasrec suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. The stadium stands approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg's central business district, making it easily accessible from major transportation routes. Its distinctive design, inspired by the traditional African calabash gourd, has made it an iconic landmark recognized worldwide. The stadium's location places it near other significant facilities including the Johannesburg Expo Centre and Nasrec railway station.

The stadium's history dates back to its original construction in 1987, when it was built as the First National Bank Stadium with a modest capacity of 80,000. However, its most significant transformation occurred between 2006 and 2009 when it underwent extensive renovations to prepare for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The R3.3 billion renovation project completely reimagined the stadium, increasing its capacity and modernizing its facilities. Today, it serves as the home ground for the Kaizer Chiefs Football Club and the South African national football team, hosting numerous international events beyond football.

How It Works

FNB Stadium operates as a multi-purpose venue with sophisticated infrastructure supporting various events.

Location and Accessibility: The stadium occupies a 176-hectare site in Nasrec with excellent transportation links. It's accessible via the M1 and N1 highways, with dedicated parking for 8,500 vehicles and shuttle services from Johannesburg Park Station. The nearby Nasrec railway station and Rea Vaya bus rapid transit system provide public transportation options for thousands of spectators.
Structural Design: The stadium's unique calabash-inspired design features 10 vertical concrete ribs that support the roof structure. The exterior is clad with 40,000 fiberglass panels in eight different shades of brown, orange, and cream, creating the appearance of a traditional African pot. The roof covers 85% of spectator seats, providing protection from Johannesburg's variable weather conditions.
Seating Configuration: With a maximum capacity of 94,736 seats, FNB Stadium uses a flexible seating system that can be reconfigured for different events. For football matches, it typically operates at 94,736 capacity, while for concerts it can accommodate approximately 90,000 attendees. The stadium features 295 executive suites, 120 wheelchair-accessible positions, and extensive hospitality areas.
Event Management: The stadium employs advanced technology including a state-of-the-art public address system with 1,200 speakers, 1,500 CCTV cameras for security monitoring, and a fiber-optic network supporting media operations. The pitch measures 105 meters by 68 meters and features a hybrid grass system combining natural turf with synthetic fibers for durability.

Key Comparisons

Feature	FNB Stadium (Johannesburg)	Cairo International Stadium (Cairo)
Location	Nasrec, Johannesburg, South Africa	Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
Year Built	Originally 1987, renovated 2009	1960, renovated 2005
Capacity	94,736 (largest in Africa)	75,000 (second largest)
Major Events Hosted	2010 FIFA World Cup Final, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final	2006 Africa Cup of Nations, 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
Construction Cost	R3.3 billion (approximately $450 million USD)	£E 21 million (approximately $3.5 million USD in 1960)

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: FNB Stadium generates significant economic activity, contributing approximately R500 million annually to Johannesburg's economy through events, tourism, and employment. Major events like the 2010 World Cup final attracted 94,736 spectators and generated substantial revenue for local businesses, hotels, and transportation services.
Cultural Significance: The stadium serves as a symbol of post-apartheid South Africa, hosting Nelson Mandela's first major public appearance after his release in 1990. It continues to be a venue for national celebrations and memorials, including the 2013 memorial service for Nelson Mandela attended by 91 world leaders and approximately 95,000 people.
Sports Development: As home to Kaizer Chiefs FC and the South African national team, the stadium supports football development at both club and international levels. It has hosted 8 matches during the 2010 World Cup, including the final between Spain and the Netherlands, watched by a global television audience of over 900 million people.

The stadium's future looks promising with ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades to maintain its status as Africa's premier sports venue. Johannesburg authorities continue to invest in infrastructure improvements around the Nasrec precinct, ensuring FNB Stadium remains competitive for hosting international events. As South Africa positions itself for future mega-events, FNB Stadium's strategic location and world-class facilities make it a cornerstone of the country's sports and entertainment landscape for decades to come.