The 'Free State Stadium', also known as Vodacom Park Stadium, 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
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
[1] 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
[2]. Tenders were advertised in February & March 2007 and were expected to be awarded in May. It is expected that upgrading of the stadium will then start in July 2007.