Ellis Park Stadium
Stadium Johannesburg stadium hosting rugby and football matches
Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg hosts major rugby and soccer matches and occasional concerts; matchdays bring passionate crowds, city views and a chance to sample South African stadium food and sports culture.
Ellis Park Stadium is a major multi-purpose stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, known primarily for rugby union and football. The venue opened in 1928 and has undergone several renovations to host national and international fixtures.
Matchdays draw large crowds for domestic and international rugby and football, and the stadium is equipped with tiered stands and hospitality areas that surround the pitch. Visitors also come for concerts and civic events when the stadium is used as an arena for large-scale performances.
Guided access is limited outside events, but the stadium’s museum and public displays occasionally open for tours illustrating its sporting history.
Built in 1928, the ground has been modernised multiple times to meet international hosting standards and to improve spectator facilities. The stadium is best known internationally for hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup final and for staging matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Ellis Park sits in the New Doornfontein area of Johannesburg, roughly east of the city centre, and is served by local transport links for event traffic.
- Events history: Opened in 1928 and regularly renovated since then, the stadium has hosted major rugby and football matches including the 1995 Rugby World Cup final and fixtures during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- Capacity: Seating capacity is approximately 62,000 for major matches, making it one of Johannesburg's larger stadiums for international sport and concerts.
What to See #
- Main pitch: The playing surface and pitch area used for rugby and football fixtures, surrounded by spectator stands on all four sides.
- North, South, East and West stands: Multiple spectator stands and corporate hospitality areas that were added or modernised during 20th-century renovations to increase capacity and amenities.
- Player and hospitality facilities: Facilities for teams and officials including locker rooms, media areas and hospitality suites that support international matches and large events.
How to Get to Ellis Park Stadium #
Ellis Park is located near the Johannesburg CBD and is accessible by car and taxi; public transit options include buses and Minibus taxis. From Sandton or Park Station area, taxis and ride-hailing services are common on match days.
Tips for Visiting Ellis Park Stadium #
- If attending a rugby or soccer match, buy tickets in advance - large events sell out rapidly.
- Use public transport (Gautrain + bus/taxi) on match days to avoid long parking waits; road congestion is significant before and after events.
- Check the stadium schedule and local safety advisories - security is strict on big-match days.
Best Time to Visit Ellis Park Stadium #
Check event schedules; stadium use peaks during national sports seasons (spring-autumn).
Weather & Climate near Ellis Park Stadium #
Ellis Park Stadium's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 2°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (772 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (147 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.