Free State Stadium

Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = Free State Stadium
nickname = Vodacom Park Stadium


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location = Bloemfontein, South Africa
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tenants = Bloemfontein Celtic
seating_capacity = 36,538
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scoreboard = The Free State Stadium, also known as Vodacom Park, is a stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, used for rugby union, as well as football (soccer).

The primary rugby union tenants of the facility are:
* The Free State Cheetahs, which participate in South Africa's domestic competition, the Currie Cup
* The Central Cheetahs, which represents Free State and Northern Cape Provinces in the Super 14

The primary soccer tenant is:
* Bloemfontein Celtic, who play in the Premier Soccer League

Facilities

Sporting and Miscellaneous events

FIFA World Cup 2010

In advance of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a second tier will be added to the main grandstand on the western side of the ground, increasing the net capacity from 36,538 [ [http://www.fussballtempel.net/caf/listecaf.html fussballtemple] ] to 48,000- mark required for venues to stage 1st and 2nd round matches. Additionally, new turnstiles will be erected, the floodlights will be upgraded, electronic scoreboards will be installed, the sound system will be revamped to the required standards, CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) and the media facilities will be improved.

Bloemfontein is to receive R221 million to upgrade the stadium. Though cost estimates are at R245 million, the city has decided to stand in for the R24m shortfall [ [http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/SpecialReports/2010WorldCup/Article.aspx?id=361806 Sunday Times] ] . Tenders were advertised in February & March 2007 and were expected to be awarded in May. Upgrade work started in July 2007 and is scheduled for completion by September 2008 [ [http://www.bloemfontein.co.za/docs/Free%20State%20stadium%20progress%20report_May08.pdf Official upgrade progress report as at May 2008] ]

References

ee also

* List of African stadiums by capacity

External links

* [http://www.bloemfontein.co.za/ Bloemfontein] - Official Bloemfontein municipality website