Moses Mabhida Stadium

Because the university finally cancelled all classes on the Friday of strike week, I was able to make plans to do something other than sit in my dorm room waiting all day. Jill suggested that we go to "the stadium," so off we went!

Moses Mabhida Stadium began construction in 2006 and was opened in 2009. The stadium hosted seven FIFA World Cup matches, including the Germany vs. Spain semi-final, when South Africa hosted the event in 2010, and in just two years has claimed the highest level of stadium utilization within the country.

It's a beautiful structure that was carefully planned to remain attractive after the big event was over. Currently, it is the home of the AmaZulu soccer club, and also boasts attractions such as a SkyCar to the top for spectacular views, an adventure walk to the top for the more adventurous, and a swing from the rafters into the stadium similar to the one I did at Oribi Gorge.

I, being a design nerd, absolutely loved the architecture. We've driven by the stadium multiple times before, but being up close was so much better. The stadium was designed to look like a basket, but after looking at the stadium's logo, I realized the arch was also an allusion to the South African flag! It's evident that a lot of thought went into the structure, and it is still stunning.

Jill and I decided to just do the SkyCar since doing the adventure walk was actually more expensive. Even early on a Friday, we had to wait in a small line for the car. We're lucky to have gotten there when we did because a big school group came in after us. We got in the car, which took us on a short ride to an open platform at the top where you could see all across Durban. It was super windy, so I'm glad we didn't blow away! 

We had to laugh at this rules sign because while we were there, we definitely saw a buch of guys skateboarding around, a guy walking his dog, and some children on rollerblades. Offenders will be prosecuted? TIA.

 Peg was also here as signaled by the bright pink logos plastered everywhere.

I'll have to go back to do the swing sometime else because some of the other international students did it, and it looked pretty sweet. But, don't forget I've done the highest gorge swing in the world. 

No big deal or anything.