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.

Main image
Ellis park south africa v lions 1938.jpg
Ellis Park Stadium before start of World Cup 2010-06-03 1.jpg
Ellis Park Stadium before start of World Cup 2010-06-03 2.jpg
Finishing touches to Ellis Park Stadium before start of World Cup 2010-06-04 1.jpg
Finishing touches to Ellis Park Stadium before start of World Cup 2010-06-04 2.jpg
Finishing touches to Ellis Park Stadium before start of World Cup 2010-06-04 3.jpg
Finishing touches to Ellis Park Stadium before start of World Cup 2010-06-04 4.jpg
JDFviewE1989.jpg
Sign to Ellis Park Stadium during 2010 World Cup 2.jpg
Sign to Ellis Park Stadium during 2010 World Cup.jpg

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.
Ellis Park Stadium
Ellis Park Stadium, Corner of Samson and Berea Road, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
-26.1975, 28.0607
Event-based (stadium opens for matches and events; no daily public hours)
Ticketed events; regular public tours and matches have variable pricing depending on game and seating

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).

South African summer (November-March)
Nov-Mar · 18-30°C
Rugby and soccer seasons peak; outdoor event season with warmer evenings.
Autumn/Winter (April-October)
Apr-Oct · 8-22°C
Crisp days, important fixtures often scheduled here; cooler evenings.

Weather & Climate near Ellis Park Stadium #

Climate

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.

Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

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.

71 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 26°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.9
UV Index
Extreme
13.5h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 25°
64%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

77 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
19°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
10.7h daylight

June

June is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
17°
55%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

6 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
10.4h daylight

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.

87 Excellent

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
17°
49%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
10.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
19°
44%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
11.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
23°
39%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.8h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 24°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°
57%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.3h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 25°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
13.6h daylight

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