Iconic Stadium could become vacant due to external factors

Iconic Stadium could become vacant due to external factors

With its imposing 62,500-seat capacity, the famous Ellis Park Stadium

has long been associated with rugby excellence in Johannesburg.

Recent developments, nevertheless,

imply that the Lions might soon say goodbye to their iconic location in favour of a smaller, safer stadium.

Journalist Simon Borchardt speculated that URC the Emirates Lions would soon

be searching for a new home in an article published in the SA Rugby Magazine.

In their opening match in the 2023–24 European Challenge Cup,

the Lions defeated Perpignan in France with style.

There was a lot of excitement surrounding their first home game against the Newcastle Falcons,

but Ellis Park was nearly empty, with only 2,500 people officially present—presumably including suite holders.

Rain and holiday travel may have played a part in the low attendance, but the stadium’s location in Doornfontein

a run-down, violent neighbourhood adjacent to Hillbrow in central Johannesburg is the main problem.

The anxious ride to and from the stadium stands in stark contrast to the once-thriving in-stadium atmosphere.

Ellis Park has been plagued by safety concerns, which have discouraged fans from attending games.

Reports of robberies, muggings, and even hijackings have made onlookers uneasy.

Anecdotes from personal experience emphasise the importance of being alert at all times,

especially in the day,

and avoiding red lights at night in order to prevent possible hijackings.

What this means for the Lions’ future and even the Springboks matches at

the site of the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final is the question that now looms.

On social media, locals, media, and fans have expressed their worries;

many have even suggested moving to a smaller, safer location.

There are several options, from famous locations like Pirates and Wanderers to university grounds like Wits and UJ.

There has also been momentum behind the possibility of moving to Orlando Stadium,

the site of the 2010 Super Rugby championship.

Some suggest a more ambitious solution: a whole new stadium integrated with retail,

dining, and entertainment spaces, all situated in a safe area. It is thought that the whole experience,

in addition to the game itself, would entice people.

Earlier this year, CEO Rudolf Straeuli admitted that the Lions had looked at other locations but encountered difficulties because of Ellis Park season ticket holders.

But as the season progresses and there are more and more vacant seats in downtown Johannesburg,

it becomes clear that something needs to happen.

Pieter Burger, the manager of Ellis Park, is still upbeat about the facility’s possibilities,

but the Lions may need to find a new home soon because of declining attendance and security worries.

For how much longer? is the pressing issue that lingers despite the tweet,

“There’s still too much opportunity and life left in a very iconic facility to just give up.”

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