Ellis Park Stadium is now known as Emirates Airline Park for sponsorship purposes. This is not the first time the stadium is known by a sponsor’s name. Between 2008 and 2012, it was known as Coca Cola Park for the same reason. The stadium was first constructed in 1928, and it was named after JD Ellis, who was an administrator in the Johannesburg city council. He made available the land that the stadium is built on.

The Ellis Park Stadium is situated in the city center of Johannesburg, in Doornfontein. It was historically established as a rugby stadium. Then it also started to hold cricket matches from 1948 until 1954. But in 1956, the Wanderers Cricket Stadium was opened, and all cricket matches in Johannesburg moved to the Wanderers Stadium. Ellis Park began hosting football matches increasingly from the early 1990s.

In 2005, Ellis Park became the first stadium to be owned by a consortium in which black people owned the biggest stake. In other words, it became the first black-owned stadium. Orlando Pirates, Interza Lesego, and Ellis Park Stadium (Pty) Ltd bought 51% of Ellis Park.

The stadium received upgrades in the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Notable Events That The Stadium Has Hosted:

1995 Rugby World Cup

2009 Confederations Cup

2010 FIFA World Cup

In 1993 Ellis Park hosted an international friendly matches between Manchester United and Arsenal.

Tragedy

In 2001, in the derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, the stadium experienced a stampede that resulted in the deaths of 43 people.

Current Use

Ellis Park continues to serve as both a rugby and football stadium. It is home to the Lions Rugby Union.