Durban to officially open Moses Mabhida Stadium

Durban - On Sunday, November 29, 2009, AmaZulu FC will meet Maritzburg United beneath the arch of the Moses Mabhida Stadium in the stadium’s official opening match.

Several World Cup matches will be played at the stadium, but there only ever will be one “first match” – so this is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Buying a ticket for this match means booking yourself a place in the history books.

“We want this to be a family oriented event,” says Julie-May Ellingson, Head of the Strategic Projects Unit & 2010 Programme. “We want people to bring their children, because this is something you’re going to want to tell your grand-children about and your children are going to want to tell their grand-children about.”

The AmaZulu players feel the same way, says Philani Mabaso, the club’s PR and Communications Manager. “Given our rich history and our long-time involvement with Durban and KZN, we are proud to be part of this event,” he notes.

“We’ll be playing on the same ground that will see some of the best of the best work their magic during the World Cup™. But more than that, we will be making history. In years to come the players who take the field on the 29th will be able to say with pride: ‘I was there! I played in the very first match to be hosted at what has to be one of the most stunning stadiums in the world!’”

With four sectors on the lower level of the stadium being opened for the opening match – among the very best seats in a stadium where no seat is further than 140m from the pitch – tickets are limited and only 22 000 are available. “They are already on sale and selling fast,” says Ellingson.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Date: Sunday, November 29, 2009

Teams: AmaZulu FC vs Maritzburg United – and this “KZN Derby” is no friendly, but an important PSL points match

Times: Gates open at 10H00. The match starts at 15H30

Entertainment: A full and varied programme is planned, starting from 12H00. Shortly before the match, Mayor Obed Mlaba will give a brief address and officially “start” the game.

Tickets: Adults: R20; children u/12: R10. Limited to 22 000 and only available from Computicket/Shoprite Checkers. (Tickets will not be available at the stadium.)

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Food & Beverage: Level 3 concession stands will be open and ready to do business.

Transport/parking: Provision has been made for parking in the stadium from KP 1 – 9 as well as bus and minibus taxi drop-off zones in surrounding areas – please watch the press for more details.

Other: The usual prohibitions apply and the following items will not be allowed into the stadium - bottles, weapons, cooler boxes and alcohol.

“As ever,” says Ellingson, “safety and security is one of our primary concerns and security personnal will be extremely visible throughout the day. We want this to be a fun day for families where they can relax and enjoy the game in a world class stadium.”

ABOUT THE SEATING

Ticketholders are urged to read their tickets closely. The Moses Mabhida Stadium will not follow the “sit anywhere” policy common at many local venues.

Each seating sector is colour-coded and divided into numbered blocks. Your ticket will tell you in what sector and what block you will be seated. For the purposes of the OFFICIAL OPENING MATCH you will be permitted to sit anywhere in that block.

The bottom section of your ticket will show you the sector (indicated by a colour) colour and the block number within that sector where you will be seated. So, if your ticket says “Sector Yellow Block 128” that means you can sit anywhere in Block 128 in the Yellow Sector.

Therefore, friends who may be buying their tickets separately and want to sit together must ensure they all buy tickets in the same sector and block.

“We understand this practice may be unfamiliar to many fans and there will be plenty of ushers on hand to guide ticketholders to their seats,” says Ellingson.

BE THERE!

This is a chance for you and your family to help make history. So get your tickets before they’re sold out and be at the Moses Mabhida Stadium’s OFFICIAL OPENING MATCH on November 29!