HOW DHL STADIUM HOSTS THE STORMERS AND CAPE TOWN CITY LESS THAN A DAY APART
When the final whistle goes off in the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls game, the ground staff at DHL Stadium will be thinking about their next task.
Getting the arena ready for a top of the table DSTV Championship clash between Cape Town City FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
In a space of 15 hours, the DHL stadium will host a Vodacom United Rugby Championship game on Saturday 23 December and then the PSL game on Sunday 24 December.
Our recently installed hybrid pitch will make it easier to execute the changeover, according to DHL Stadium CEO Gina Woodburn.
“There are two main focus areas, the first is the pitch. The grass is cut and divot repairs are done, new markings are done and the poles are swapped. This process takes between six to eight hours,” says Woodburn.
The secondary task involves systematically cleaning the various areas of the stadium throughout the night, a process that could take up to 10 hours.
“So by the time the gates open for the match on the second day, the stadium is ready and compliant. The intention is for the visitor joining us on the second day to be unaware a match took place in the stadium the day before.”
EIGHT WEEKS OF EVENTS
The back to back games are an indication of what’s to come this summer for the iconic facility.
Stadium staff are also preparing for another double match weekend on 30 December with the DHL Stormers playing the Hollywoodbets Sharks in the Vodacom URC and Cape Town City FC locking horns with Cape Town Spurs in the ikapa derby on New Year’s Eve.
In addition, DHL Stadium will be host to three concerts and the Investec Cup in January 24, with number of other events planned for 2024.
“The stadium has prepared for this time period. We know of our events well in advance so staffing and operational requirements for the period are taken into account well in advance. We are not a big team – 30 employees in total – so the full team pitches in at large events or busy times to ensure delivery,” says Woodburn.
With its service providers and contractors also geared up for the important busy period, stadium management is confident to deliver a clean stadium and promote a safe environment at all its events.
Tickets for the two games are available here:
