Today in history: Loftus Versfeld becomes a national monument
The main areas that needed upgrades were the floodlights, the audio-visual equipment and the scoreboard.
Before it became known as Loftus Versfeld, this stadium was called Die Springbokpark, and it was declared a national monument under old National Monuments’ Council (NMC) legislation on 21 September 1979.
Home-ground to Sundowns Football Club and the Blue Bulls rugby team, Loftus Versfeld received a welcome revamp and renovation in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa.
The main areas that needed upgrades were the floodlights, the audio-visual equipment and the scoreboard.
In addition, designated areas for the media needed to be constructed and once these were revamped and built, the stadium was ready to welcome the tens of thousands of football fans that descended on Pretoria to watch their favourite teams play.
However, it continues to be used for rugby games, a few soccer matches, concerts and other events. It is currently owned by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union.
Loftus Versfeld is situated in Pretoria, which is just over 50 kilometres from Johannesburg.
Tours of the stadium can be arranged for those wanting to see its extent and hear about its history and future in the South African sporting world.
Information sourced from: South African History Online.
