The Orlando stadium is situated in Orlando, Soweto, south of Johannesburg. It was built in 1959. It was funded by the Johannesburg Bantu Football Association and the Johannesburg City Council.

It became the home ground of Orlando Pirates from the same year it was founded and it continues to host Orlando Pirates’ home matches to this day.

In the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Orlando Stadium was completely rebuilt to meet FIFA standards.

In the same 2010, the Orlando Stadium made history when it became the first stadium in a township to host a rugby match. The Blue Bulls hosted the Crusaders in a Super 14 rugby match at the stadium and after that played the final with Stomers at the same stadium.

Capacity

37 000

Current use:

The Orlando Stadium is the home of Orlando Pirates.

Notable Events That Have Been Hosted By The Orlando Stadium:

1995 – Joe Slovo Funeral : Joe Slovo was an executive member of the South African Cummunist Party and a former commander of the Umkhonto We Sizwe army.

2010 –  FIFA World Cup Kickoff Concert that featured acts such as Hugh Masekela, the Parlotones, Freshly Ground, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Alicia Keys, John Legend, the Black Eyed Peas and Shakira.

2014 – Senzo Meyiwa Memorial Service.

2018 – Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Memorial Service.

Check out the picture below of people attending an ANC rally in honour of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990 at the Orlando Stadium.