The stadium was built on the site of the former Ellis Park swimming pool, named after J.D. Ellis, who donated the land.
It hosted the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, a pivotal moment in South African post-apartheid sporting history.
Nelson Mandela famously presented the Webb Ellis Cup to South African captain Francois Pienaar while wearing a Springbok jersey at this venue.
The stadium has hosted several major music concerts, including performances by artists such as Whitney Houston and Tina Turner.
It was a host venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosting five group matches and one quarter-final match.
The stadium is colloquially still referred to by its historic name, Ellis Park, despite corporate sponsorship naming rights.
Emirates Airline Park, formerly known as Ellis Park Stadium, is a historic rugby and football venue established in 1928 in the New Doornfontein area of Johannesburg. It serves as the primary home ground for the Lions rugby team and was a host venue for the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The stadium features a capacity of approximately 62,567 spectators. It is widely recognized for hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, where South Africa defeated New Zealand. The facility underwent significant renovations ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to improve infrastructure and seating. Its architectural design emphasizes a massive bowl structure synonymous with traditional South African sports arenas. It remains one of the country's most iconic multi-purpose venues for professional sports events.
The upper tiers of the west stand for a panoramic view of the entire pitch and the stadium architecture.
Book tickets in advance via official channels to secure specific seating sections.
Arrive early to navigate security perimeters and access controlled parking zones.
Dress in layers, as the Johannesburg highveld climate can shift from warm to chilly once the sun sets.
Avoid walking alone in the immediate surrounding neighborhood during non-event hours.
Operations are primarily centered around professional rugby and football match schedules; the facility is not open for general public access outside of ticketed events.
Respect stadium security protocols and refrain from entering the pitch area at all times.
