Port Elizabeth bang on schedule: World Cup organisers

The Port Elizabeth stadium, which initially had construction delays, will now be ready well before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, organisers said on Tuesday.

“We at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa are delighted with the progress made with the construction of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium,” organising committee president Danny Jordaan said.

“It is extremely exciting to see a brand new 2010 FIFA World Cup venue taking shape so many months ahead of its FIFA World Cup completion deadline.”

The venue had been the only new stadium chosen for this year’s eight-nation Confederations Cup in June before being discarded in July 2008 because of problems.

About 40,000 of the 48,000 seats have already been installed, more than half of the 36 beams which support the roof have been put in position, as well as most of the columns and other supporting structures.

Jordaan added: “We are convinced Nelson Mandela Bay will be a magnificent 2010 FIFA World Cup Host City. The city will host eight 2010 FIFA World Cup matches, including a 2010 quarter-final and the third and fourth place playoff match.”

South Africa is building five new stadiums and renovating five others for the 32-nation, June 11 to July 11 football showcase event for a total cost of at least 10 billion rand (1.2 billion dollars).