Ellis Park Stadium
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributors · CC BY-SA
- Capacity
- 62,567
- Year opened
- 1928
- Club
- Golden Lions
- Country
- South Africa
Overview
About the stadium
Ellis Park Stadium is one of the most significant sports arenas not only in Johannesburg, South Africa but across the entire continent. It is located in the Doornfontein neighborhood on the eastern edge of the city center and has served as a multifunctional stand for both rugby and football since its opening in 1928. Today, its capacity of 62,567 places makes Ellis Park one of the largest stadiums in Africa.
The arena is named after J. D. Ellis, a municipal official who helped secure the land for construction. From the very beginning, the stadium has been home to the rugby tradition in the region, serving as the home ground for the Golden Lions and the South African national team, the Springboks. It also regularly hosts league and international football matches, with the legendary Orlando Pirates being its most notable football tenant.
Ellis Park is not just a sports venue—it's a symbol. In 1995, one of the most emotional moments in South African history took place here when President Nelson Mandela, wearing the Springboks jersey, presented the Rugby World Cup trophy. Fifteen years later, in the summer of 2010, the stadium had an honored place on the map of the FIFA World Cup, hosting seven matches of the tournament. Despite the tragedy of 2001, which claimed 43 lives, Ellis Park has remained a cornerstone of South African sport and continues to be a venue for key matches.
History
Journey through time
The story of Ellis Park began in 1927 when the South African Rugby Union was looking for an alternative to the overcrowded Wanderers Club pitch, which it shared with cricket. Doornfontein, a neighborhood with an abandoned quarry and dump site, turned out to be surprisingly suitable terrain. The lease agreement was signed in October 1927, and the stadium was built in just eight months. In June 1928, the first international match was held at the new ground, featuring the legendary New Zealand All Blacks.
Over the decades, the stadium has undergone several renovations. The most significant took place in 1982 when a major reconstruction increased its capacity to nearly 60,000 spectators and elevated Ellis Park to the most modern stadium in the country. Due to construction work, rugby was temporarily relocated elsewhere from 1980 to 1981, but otherwise, the pitch has served uninterrupted.
The most famous chapter came on June 24, 1995. The Rugby World Cup final between the home team, the Springboks, and the All Blacks marked the end of an era of international isolation for South African sport due to the apartheid regime. The score of 15-12 after extra time—decided by Joel Stransky's drop goal—was historic in itself. But the true icon of the moment was Nelson Mandela: the first black president of a free South Africa entered the field in a number 6 jersey and embraced Springbok captain François Pienaar as equals. This gesture, symbolizing a new beginning for a divided nation, became the subject of Clint Eastwood's Oscar-winning film, "Invictus," in 2009.
Six years later, on April 11, 2001, Ellis Park witnessed its darkest moment: during a league match between the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, a crowd surge spiraled out of control following the influx of thousands seeking entry at a poorly secured gate. Forty-three people died, and 250 were injured. The tragedy sparked a discussion on stadium safety across Africa.
Despite this loss, the stadium continued. In 2008, it adopted the sponsorship name Coca-Cola Park, which fans never fully accepted; after the contract expired, the arena returned to its original name, Ellis Park. The pinnacle of the modern era came in 2010 when the FIFA World Cup brought global attention to Johannesburg. Ellis Park hosted five group matches, one round of 16 match, and a quarter-final—seven matches in total. For this occasion, the capacity was increased by 5,000 seats in the northern stand.
Clubs & teams
Atmosphere
Matchday
The atmosphere at Ellis Park is shaped by two cultures that have shared this place for over a hundred years—rugby and football—each bringing a different type of passion.
Rugby days are among the loudest in South Africa. The Golden Lions and their predecessors from the golden province have a loyal fan base that fills the stadium during every major derby or international test match. Spectators come with horned vuvuzelas, flags, and a uniquely South African vibe, blending Afrikaans and English stands along with an increasingly strong black middle class. Since 1994, the demographics of the crowd have changed alongside the nation.
The most transformative moment in the stadium’s history was the 1995 World Cup final. On that day, Ellis Park was not just a rugby stadium—it was a melting pot of a new nation. Nelson Mandela, who had been denied freedom for 27 years under racist apartheid, wore a Springboks jersey—a team that had symbolized oppression for black South Africans for decades. With that gesture, he sent a clear message: this team is now ours. The pressure of 62,000 people in the stands, feeling at that moment that history was being made, was palpable. François Pienaar later stated, “We didn't have the support of 62,000 fans. We had the support of 43 million South Africans.”
Football days bring a different rhythm. Matches involving the Orlando Pirates attract lively South African football fans; the Buccaneers—what the Pirates are nicknamed—are one of the most popular clubs in the country. Their flags, chants, and booing fill the 60,000-capacity stadium with a lively buzz. The rivalry with the Kaizer Chiefs—the Soweto Derby or The Classico—ranks among the hottest in African football history. It was during one such derby in 2001 that a tragedy occurred, which profoundly impacted South African fan culture and led to stricter safety standards.
Since 2010, Ellis Park has served as a constant reminder of what sport can evoke—both good and bad.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
Ellis Park is located in the Doornfontein neighborhood, approximately 2.5 kilometers east of downtown Johannesburg. The address is Staib Street 1, Doornfontein.
Transport: The most convenient transport from downtown is by train from Park Station, Johannesburg's main train and bus hub located about 2 km away. The Gautrain network connects O.R. Tambo Airport, Sandton, and central Johannesburg—the nearest Gautrain station is Park Station, from where you can reach Ellis Park by local train or taxi. On days of major matches, shuttle services and enhanced bus routes operate.
Parking: There is limited parking available directly at the stadium; for major events, using distant parking lots with shuttle minibuses is recommended.
Safety: Doornfontein is an industrial neighborhood, and the area around the stadium requires heightened vigilance, especially after dark. It is advised not to move around alone, leave valuables in your car, and use organized transportation through fan clubs or event organizers. There is a significant security presence at the arena and its immediate vicinity during matches.
Tickets and Information: Tickets for Lions rugby matches are available through the Golden Lions Rugby Union website or the Ticketmaster portal. For Orlando Pirates football matches, the PSL Tickets platform is used. The stadium's facilities include a bistro, food kiosks, and merchandise typical of South African sports.
Map
Where to find the stadium
Rating
Your rating
No ratings yet
Plan your visit
Johannesburg, South Africa
Accommodation
Booking.com — affiliate ID not configured
Stadium tour
GetYourGuide — partner ID not configured
Match tickets
Ticombo — affiliate ID not configured
Some links are affiliate — if you purchase, we earn a small commission (no extra cost to you).
