First National Bank has extended a partnership with Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) that grants it naming rights to Johannesburg’s iconic 2010 Fifa World Cup stadium, commonly referred to as Soccer City.
The extension of SMSA’s partnership with the company will see the 87,436-capacity stadium continue to be called FNB Stadium until 2022.
The new deal between the two parties has extended their long-standing partnership to 30 years.
FNB Stadium was the venue for the 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain, and also hosted other games including the tournament opener between South Africa and Mexico, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.
“The South African football supporters are familiar with the FNB Stadium as the home of South African football,” SMSA chief executive Jacques Grobbelaar said.
“Since the 2010 Fifa World Cup tournament, this venue has hosted in excess of 630 events with more than nine million spectators going through the gates.
“The partnership with FNB is a like-minded partnership focusing on quality and shared values of teamwork.”
FNB Stadium is home to the Kaizer Chiefs Premier Soccer League club, and also hosts the South African national team. It is also expanding its partnerships with the South African Rugby Union to host international rugby test matches.
It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in the city following his release from prison in 1990, and served as a venue for a memorial service to him in 2013.
The former World Cup stadium is located next to the South African Football Association headquarters.
The FNB Stadium is due to host the Absa Premiership football clash between anchor tenants Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, April 1. Justin Beiber’s Purpose world tour will also make its stop at the venue on Sunday, May 14.
