Grand Parade becomes SWC mecca
2010-05-19 18:05
Cape Town - With the countdown to the beginning of the World Cup, construction has begun on Cape Town's FIFA Fan Fest situated at the Grand Parade. When complete, the 25 413m² area will serve as the city’s official entertainment hub for the duration of the soccer festival.
All 64 World Cup matches will be screened on a 74m² screen, first used by FIFA during the German World Cup. The screen is one of the biggest structures ever to be erected in South Africa.
"The purpose of the Fan Fest is to offer a safe, convenient and convivial alternative to being at the stadium. Soccer fans who weren't able to get tickets can still watch the match live and get to experience the excitement and thrill of being caught up in the roar of the crowd," said Lesley de Reuck, 2010 Director Operations from the City of Cape Town.
The Fan Fest will be open daily between 11:00 and 23:00 from June10 to July 11. Inbetween watching soccer, visitors will be entertained by a laser light display, quality performances from talented local artists and popular big-name artists such as Goldfish, Freshlyground, The Rudimentals, Danny K, Jimmy Dludlu, the Guguletu Tenors and many more.
Capacity and security
Food and refreshment kiosks will offer a taste of traditional Cape Town with dishes such as Malay chicken curry, lamb neck potjie, boerewors rolls and fish gourjons, along with regular favourites like prego rolls, pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers and hot soup.
Snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks will be on offer. Wine and beer will be available for sale to visitors over the age of 18.
The Grand Parade has a capacity for 25 000 and numbers will be strictly controlled by private security, emergency services and police on the ground. To enter the Fan Fest, visitors will need to pass through security check points positioned in Darling Street and at the corner of Buitenkant and Longmarket streets.
Children under the age of 14 will have to be accompanied by an adult and items of food, alcohol, weapons or drugs being brought into the Fan Fest will be confiscated.
"Because the World Cup is an event that will attract many families, as well as tourists, we have put very stringent security measures in place," de Reuck continued. "Unruly behaviour will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be very swiftly dealt with.
"Our intention is for every visitor to the Fan Fest to have a good experience."
Visitors are encouraged to use the many park-and-ride facilities available throughout Cape Town.