Johannesburg - The World Cup could set a new record for paid attendance with three million fans expected to attend games, local organising committee CEO Danny Jordaan said on Thursday.
"With the quarterfinals, semi-finals and final being played at the biggest stadiums in the country, it is possible we will top the three million fan attendance mark after the final at Soccer City on July 11," Jordaan told media in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Already 2.69 million fans had paid to watch the first two rounds of the global showpiece.
Johannesburg – Gautrain, the multi-billion rand rapid rail service, opened its doors for the first time ever to the public on Tuesday.
The commercial operation starts three days before the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off, ollowsing shortly after the official launch of Gautrain on Saturday.
People can now buy tickets and travel on Gautrain the same way they would on any Metrorail train.
Barbara Jensen, spokesperson for Gautrain Management Agency, said on Tuesday there was "huge excitement" this morning.
South Africa has successfully hosted large sporting events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, the Women's World Cup of Golf in 2005 and 2006 and, in January 2006, the only street race in the inaugural A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport.
In 2010 South Africa will get the chance to host one of the biggest sporting events after the Olympic Games - the FIFA World Cup Soccer 2010.
When President elect Jacob Zuma is inaugurated this week, a new standalone tourism minister will make his or her introduction into cabinet. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) will be split into two ministries that will deal with these issues on separate playing fields.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat is getting geared up for 2010. They have just announced their winter special deal valid from April to August 2010. For a cost of only R1400 per person per night for a 3 night stay you get luxury accommodation, all meals, daily rock art excursions, evening nature drives with sundowner drinks and snacks, plus all lodge activities.
What a perfect ending to the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010.
