Loftus Versveld stadium in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, is to undergo minor upgrades for 2010, and has a capacity of 45 000. It will host four first-round matches and one second-round.

Loftus Versfeld

Named in memory of a leading sports administrator, Mr Loftus Versfeld, after he suffered a heart attack in the east stand in 1938, "Loftus" stands as one of the capital city's most familiar landmarks.

The Stadium is situated scarcely 2km from the city centre, in the heart of an attractive, tree-lined residential area that accommodates row upon row of foreign embassies.

Through the apartheid years, reflecting the prejudice of local residents, the city council resolutely refused permission for soccer to be played in what was then preserved as a bastion of rugby.

However, times have changed and Sundowns, one of South Africa's leading professional clubs, now calls Loftus home.

The main west stand was completely rebuilt in 1977, and the other three stands have been rebuilt since, creating an impressive arena, that rises steeply on all sides and incorporates some of the country's finest facilities for corporate hospitality.

Minimal upgrading will be required for the Stadium to qualify as a venue for first and second round matches, but the floodlights, sound system and scoreboards will all be improved.

Designated Media areas will be created in the lower level of the west stand, from where the celebrated Loftus roar should give the world's journalists something to write home about.

Quick Links to Accommodation and Car Hire in this region:

» Pretoria City Guide
» Pretoria Accommodation
» Pretoria Hotels
» Pretoria Guest Houses
» Pretoria Bed & Breakfast
» Pretoria Accommodation Search Map
» Pretoria Car Rental & Pretoria Car Hire
» Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria

The Final 10 Stadiums for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa:

- Green Point Stadium in Cape Town - Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth
- King Senzangakhona Stadium in Durban - Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein
- Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg - Soccer City in Johannesburg
- Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg - Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria
- Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit - Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane