Tent Accommodation for 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg
Accommodation in Johannesburg for the 2010 Soccer World Cup was always going to pose a challenge, given that it is the social capital of South Africa - which is why Johannesburg City will be erecting tent accommodation during the Soccer World Cup.
For anyone finding all the inn rooms full, there will be the option of a “backpackers” style Tent City erected at the Waverley sports park, close to the main arterial M1 which feeds Ellis Park stadium, as well as the fan park at Innes Free Park, shopping centres such as Melrose Arch and Sandton City.
All the bases seem to have been covered: transport and city tours, security, amenities including catering and ablutions, sporting facilities and entertainment
Then there are the tents themselves. There will be no individual tents but rather dormitory-type tents divided into males only and females only four- and six-bed units, as well as four-bed couples and families only units. There will also be space available for around 200 campers to set up their own tents and provide their own camping and self-catering equipment.
The Waverley Park Tent City will be able to accommodate 1,280 people, each provided with a single bed, mattress, pillows and extra blankets, but you are expected to bring your own sleeping bag and towel: remember it will be midwinter in South Africa. Each tent unit will be fitted with lighting, heating and lockable cupboards, with locks for sale on site.
Tent cities like this proved a great success during the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany as well as the 2008 European Cup soccer finals in Austria, according to consultant Barry Mckay who is working with FIFA and the city's World Cup organising committee to set up Tent City.
Security and food are probably the two main concerns for Tent City residents. On the safety side, visitors have been assured security will be adequate. The park will have only one entrance and exit. Admission to Tent City will be by electronic identification and restricted to paying residents only.
To cover inner-body security needs, there will be 24-hour fast-food outlets, breakfast venues, bars and regular evening barbeques with braai packs sold. Entertainment centres will have big-screen TVs, while pool tournaments, theme evenings and seven-a-side soccer games will also be organized daily. There will also be an information center, transport nerve center and a registration and reception area.
The Gauteng Tour Operators’ Association will manage a 24-hour shuttle service between Tent City and to and from matches, as well as tours and sightseeing trips. Most of these will be conducted in minibus taxis.
The cost in the backpackers section will be around R442 a person a night. This will include a secure access card, bed in a shared tent with mattress and pillow, a secure locker, ablution facilities and access to all amenities. Self-catering camping will cost around R250 a person a night and campers must be self-sufficient.
Tent City Johannesburg will be open from 4 June to 16 July 2010. "Guests at the tent park are expected to be between the ages of 18 to 30 years and the camp will be fully equipped to cater for just about all their living needs. There will be plenty of activities and entertainment during the duration of Tent City," says Barry Mckay. The idea is that an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun will prevail.
More about the 2010 World Cup
For anyone finding all the inn rooms full, there will be the option of a “backpackers” style Tent City erected at the Waverley sports park, close to the main arterial M1 which feeds Ellis Park stadium, as well as the fan park at Innes Free Park, shopping centres such as Melrose Arch and Sandton City.
What, Where and How
All the bases seem to have been covered: transport and city tours, security, amenities including catering and ablutions, sporting facilities and entertainment
Then there are the tents themselves. There will be no individual tents but rather dormitory-type tents divided into males only and females only four- and six-bed units, as well as four-bed couples and families only units. There will also be space available for around 200 campers to set up their own tents and provide their own camping and self-catering equipment.
The Waverley Park Tent City will be able to accommodate 1,280 people, each provided with a single bed, mattress, pillows and extra blankets, but you are expected to bring your own sleeping bag and towel: remember it will be midwinter in South Africa. Each tent unit will be fitted with lighting, heating and lockable cupboards, with locks for sale on site.
Tent cities like this proved a great success during the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany as well as the 2008 European Cup soccer finals in Austria, according to consultant Barry Mckay who is working with FIFA and the city's World Cup organising committee to set up Tent City.
The Basic Needs
Security and food are probably the two main concerns for Tent City residents. On the safety side, visitors have been assured security will be adequate. The park will have only one entrance and exit. Admission to Tent City will be by electronic identification and restricted to paying residents only.
To cover inner-body security needs, there will be 24-hour fast-food outlets, breakfast venues, bars and regular evening barbeques with braai packs sold. Entertainment centres will have big-screen TVs, while pool tournaments, theme evenings and seven-a-side soccer games will also be organized daily. There will also be an information center, transport nerve center and a registration and reception area.
The Finer Details
The Gauteng Tour Operators’ Association will manage a 24-hour shuttle service between Tent City and to and from matches, as well as tours and sightseeing trips. Most of these will be conducted in minibus taxis.
The cost in the backpackers section will be around R442 a person a night. This will include a secure access card, bed in a shared tent with mattress and pillow, a secure locker, ablution facilities and access to all amenities. Self-catering camping will cost around R250 a person a night and campers must be self-sufficient.
Tent City Johannesburg will be open from 4 June to 16 July 2010. "Guests at the tent park are expected to be between the ages of 18 to 30 years and the camp will be fully equipped to cater for just about all their living needs. There will be plenty of activities and entertainment during the duration of Tent City," says Barry Mckay. The idea is that an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun will prevail.
More about the 2010 World Cup
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