Moses Mabhida Stadium is a stadium in Durban, South Africa, named after Moses Mabhida, a former General Secretary of the South African Communist Party. It is a multi-use stadium, mostly used for football. The stadium has been used for events which include concerts, cricket, football, golf practice, motorsports and rugby. Moses Mabhida Stadium was one of the host stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium has a capacity of 62,760. The stadium is adjacent to the Kings Park Stadium.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium roof consists of a 46,000 m2 Teflon-coated, glass-fibre membrane which produce a translucent glow when the stadium is lit. These are attached to the arch by 95mm diameter steel cables. The roof covers 90% of the seats.
Over 100 columns surround the stadium. The height of the columns varies around the stadium, but the highest is 46m. In total 15,000 square metres of façade surround the stadium. A total of 550 aluminium fins fit between the main columns. Perforated metal sheeting was placed between the aluminium fins, where required.
The arch, similar to Wembley Stadium arch, a 350-metre long free and 105-metre high span arch holds up the roof of the stadium, the top of the arch rises to 106 metres above the pitch. The arch also represents the once divided nation coming together, inspired by the South African Flag. The arch consists of a 5×5m steel hollow box and weighs 2,600 tonnes. A funicular carries visitors from the north side of the stadium to a viewing platform at the top of the arch, offering a view over city and ocean. The south side features a 550-step adventure walk. In February 2010 the world’s largest swing opened at the stadium. The swing allows clients to jump off the 4th ladder rung and fall toward the pitch before being swung out in a 220-metre arc over the pitch. (text source, wikipedia)
