Gqeberha’s Rugby Pride Shines as Young Stars Thrill Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

“Over the past two weeks, the stadium has welcomed thousands of passionate rugby fans, with almost 25 000 people enjoying the matches from the stands.”
He says that hosting The Rugby Championship U/20 tournament has been a monumental occasion for Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and the city of Gqeberha. “This tournament has not only provided a platform for the future stars of rugby but has also reinforced the city’s reputation as a premier sporting destination. The Eastern Cape’s rich rugby culture has been on full display during The Rugby Championship U/20 tournament.”
As the operator of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Qaba says that the Mandela Bay Development Agency is also focused on the broader impact of the event. “Welcoming world-class rugby to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium goes beyond the matches themselves. Events like these bring economic and social benefits to our local community, and the inspiration it provides for young athletes must be celebrated.”
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Head, Mr Raaziq Poole, commended the security presence at the Stadium, both in the inner bowl and around the Stadium precinct. “Although the tournament managed to attract quite a large contingent of spectators for all three match-days, there was free flow traffic entry on all strategic entry points,” he said. “There was strict adherence to the security brief in conjunction with South African Rugby, to ensure that there was seamless and streamlined operation for a successful event and a memorable experience for all involved.”

Poole was equally pleased with the spectator turnout, and Stadium sales on match days. “The attendance of spectators for the opening of The Rugby Championship U/20 tournament far exceeded our expectations and this resulted in our bars and kiosks being completely sold out in terms of stock at our concession area. Eighteen (18) bars and fourteen (14) kiosks were operated for the final match-day, with more than 200 temporary concession staff working and assisting in the concession areas to ensure that patrons were well-attended to.
“Another added feature that came with this youth tournament was the sourcing in of food trucks as part of the MBDA’s drive to offer local SMMEs an opportunity to trade with the City and its various economically active levers, such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium,” said Poole. In total, fifteen (15) local food vendors traded at the Stadium’s outer concourse, with two (2) merchandise vendors also gaining an opportunity to engage with spectators during the day’s proceedings.
The newly revamped World of Windows venue (commonly known as the Royale Lounge among rugby fans in the Bay) was also opened to public, offering a bar and kiosk as well as three (3) adjacent food trucks.
Qaba is confident that the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will continue to bring in exciting events that give fans the chance to soak up the action, revel in the excitement, and remind everyone that rugby love runs deep—whether you’re on the pitch or proudly cheering from the sidelines. “Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is honoured to have hosted this thrilling tournament, and we look forward to welcoming more international rugby events to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the future.”