According to Julie-May Ellingson, Head of 2010 Programme, a significant amount of work has been completed in recent months on the more aesthetic elements of the stadium - giving local Durbanites an idea of what their 2010 stadium will look like.

“With the completion of 75% of the precast seating (the concrete structure onto which the seats themselves will be fitted), the view from inside the stadium bowl is increasingly one which gives you a preview of our future stadium.

“The VIP area is taking shape too, with the full-glass façades for the VIP suites being installed now,” says Ellingson.

Other significant developments include the completion of the level six concrete slab, the 50% completion of the podium and the 40% completion of the compression ring that will support the roof structure.

Hard work continues on site, with September and October 2008 earmarked to be busy months. Scheduled activities include the completion of the roof’s steel columns, compression ring and arch and the start of the roof cable installation inside the stadium.

Once complete, the R1.83 billion Moses Mabhida Stadium will seat 70 000 people. The stadium will be characterised by two archways which meet 100 metres above the stadium roof.

According to Ellingson, the multi-purpose stadium will include a sports museum, an education information centre, a gym, restaurants and shops and underground parking for 1000 cars.

Construction of the stadium is expected to be complete by October 2009.

Source: South Africa: The Good News