Cape Town Stadium rose in the Green Point district between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean, opening on December 14, 2009, just months before it welcomed the world for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Built by Murray & Roberts and WBHO over roughly 33 months at a cost of about R4.4 billion, the venue was designed by GMP Architects alongside Louis Karol Architects and Point Architects, giving it a distinctive petal-like roof visible from across the city.
Now known commercially as DHL Stadium following a 2021 sponsorship deal, the stadium seats around 55,000 fans, down from its World Cup configuration of about 64,100. It stands as the largest stadium in Cape Town and the fifth-largest in South Africa, serving today as home to Cape Town City F.C., the Stormers, and WP Rugby.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): Cape Town City F.C., Stormers, WP Rugby Union
- Location: Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa
- Opened: December 14, 2009
- Capacity: About 55,000 (reduced from ~64,100 for the 2010 World Cup)
- Cost: About R4.4 billion (~US$600 million)
- Notable fact: Hosted a 2010 FIFA World Cup semifinal and the record-attendance 2020 Federer-Nadal tennis exhibition
A World Cup Legacy
Cape Town Stadium was purpose-built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and hosted eight matches during the tournament, including group stage games, a Round of 16 clash, a quarterfinal, and a semifinal. Its scenic setting against Signal Hill and Table Mountain made it one of the most photographed venues of the tournament.
After the World Cup, the stadium transitioned into a multi-purpose venue for football, rugby, and major events, becoming a fixture of Cape Town’s sporting and cultural calendar rather than a one-tournament showpiece.
Records and Rugby Roots
In February 2020, the stadium hosted ‘The Match in Africa,’ an exhibition between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that drew about 51,954 spectators, setting a world attendance record for a tennis match. The venue also became an annual stop on the World Rugby Sevens Series starting in 2015 and hosted the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Since 2021, the Stormers and WP Rugby Union have called the stadium home, cementing its status as one of South Africa’s premier rugby venues alongside its football heritage.
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Cape Town Stadium FAQs
Who plays at Cape Town Stadium?
Cape Town City F.C. of South African football, plus the Stormers and WP Rugby Union, are the current primary tenants.
What is Cape Town Stadium’s capacity?
The stadium currently holds about 55,000 spectators, reduced from its 2010 World Cup capacity of roughly 64,100.
Is Cape Town Stadium the same as DHL Stadium?
Yes. The venue has been known as DHL Stadium since June 2021 under a naming-rights sponsorship, though it remains widely called Cape Town Stadium.
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Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.