Tag Archives: 2010 world cup

Our men and women in blue

Our men, and women, in blue

Last month Cape Town was visited by the UK's Commissioner of Metropolitan Police Services. We're told that the intention of the visit was to share information with respect to security and safety at major events, like the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Cynicism tells me however that Sir Paul Stephenson visited Cape Town to put his mind at ease that UK citizens will be safe when visiting our country next year.

Yesterday the South African National Defence Force and South African Police Services started conducting training exercises to help prepare security personnel for managing safety and security in 2010. The Confederations Cup, being held in a couple of months' time, will be great training to help the police and military put into practice what they're learning at the moment. So, when next year rolls around we'll be confident of our ability to keep visitors and locals safe at these large events.

Roll on 2010!

Green Point Stadium construction site

Green Point stadium construction

I must be honest, I'm not too sure how you'd enter if you wanted to - the holes in that fence look pretty tiny to me. But still, nice of them to warn us that it's a construction area... because I'm not sure that the cranes there in the background were quite enough of a clue on their own. :)

By the way, if you're in Cape Town and you'd like to get a closer look at the stadium, visit the Green Point Stadium Visitors' Centre website to find out about the tours and experiences that are available. Paul and I will definitely be making a turn there ourselves very soon...

The progress on Greenpoint Stadium

Greenpoint Stadium

Paul took this photo on Friday while we were visiting with friends at their apartment in Granger Bay. What we didn't realise at the time was that the glass roof that will cover the stands (but not the actual pitch, apparently) is now on its way up, supported by a massive network of cables that are slowly being tightened. The roof weighs around 4,500 tons - that's a whole lot of elephants.

You can read more about the process involved in getting this roof up to where it needs to be on the Shine 2010 site, and you can see a whole bunch of great pictures from inside the stadium on the official City of Cape Town website.

Can you believe that we are just over a year away from the 2010 World Cup? The first round of ticket sales starts on Friday, and I must say, the reality of the awesome party that awaits us is starting to set in for me. If you're keen to get your hands on some tickets (and I can't see why anyone wouldn't be!), then read this official FIFA information on how tickets will be allocated.