Experience the thrill of watching a live rugby game at Cape Town Stadium in Green Point!
Attending a rugby match in Cape Town not only offers an adrenaline-pumping sports experience but also provides a unique window into South African culture and history. Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan or a curious traveler, here are 10 must-knows to make the most of your visit to a rugby game in Cape Town.
Table of Contents
1. Cape Town DHL rugby stadium
The Cape Town Stadium, also known as DHL Stadium, caters for everything from the arts to sports, music and milestone events. It is is an association football (soccer) and rugby union stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The Cape Town Stadium serves as the home ground for WP Rugby and the DHL Stormers since 2021. Additionally, it hosts Premier Soccer League clubs Cape Town Spurs since 2010 and Cape Town City since 2016.
The stadium has been the venue for the South Africa Sevens rugby tournament since 2015 and was honored to host the Rugby 7s World Cup in 2022.
The stadium had a seating capacity of 58,309.
a. The DHL Stormers: home team
The Stormers are a professional rugby union team based in Cape Town.
- The DHL Stormers Website: https://thestormers.com/
- Facebook: @stormers
- Instagram: @dhlstormers
- Twitter: @thestormers
2. How to get to the DHL stadium?
The stadium sits nestled in Green Point, bordered by Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean, in close proximity to both the bustling Cape Town city center and the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
a. Address
Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point, Cape Town
b. How to get there?
- By UBER / BOLT: from the city centre “Civic Centre” it will take you about 10 minutes to get to Newlands Rugby Stadium and will cost you around $ 85 ZAR = $ 7 USD. Also, consider that if there is a match the entrance will most probably be crowded so try to leave earlier to be on time.
- By bus: you can take the My Citi bus 109 or 118 to get to the stadium. From the Upper Portswood stop you need to walk for another 9 minutes. Note: check the email you get after buying your tickets. In my case it mentioned a free MyCiTi bus shuttle service from the CTICC, Civic Centre and Thibault Square bus stations to get into the stadium.
3. Parking
a. In the stadium
Dedicated parking for rugby matches is available within the stadium precinct at P4 and P9. Parking costs R120, and payment is by card only—no cash accepted.
b. CTICC
Dedicated parking is available at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) for R120, with payment by card only upon entry.
c. Cape Town CBD
With street parking available, you can also park in the Cape Town city center though please note it free but not secure.
4. Where to buy rugby tickets
Tickets are available through TicketPro and also from Checkers and Spar stores.
a. Online Purchase
Websites like TicketPro or team-specific platforms facilitate online ticket sales, allowing fans to select seats in advance.
b. Checkers and Spar stores
You can go to a cashier and ask to buy rubgy tickets. They usually have a chart with the color codes for the areas and prices.
To access the rugby stadium you simply need to scan your digital e-ticket, there’s no need to print the ticket.
5. Rugby ticket prices
Tickets typically range from 60 to 1,900 Rands for regular matches. You can get a good view for 260 Rands.
Prices may increase for high-profile games or premium seating options.
All seats are numbered. All spectators should sit in the correct seat as allocated on the tickets.
a. Areas
When booking, keep in mind that the South Stand is the party stand, while the North Stand is designated for families. Additionally, blocks 108 and 109 are alcohol-free zones.
b. Disabled seating
Disabled seating at DHL Stadium is available at a fixed price of R140 and can be booked by emailing jdowling@wprugby.co.za.
The stadium offers 110 dedicated wheelchair seats and 138 companion seats, all with full ramp access and facilities.
6. Rugby Leagues: Seasons and competitions
Rugby in Cape Town encompasses various leagues and competitions held throughout the year.
a. Super Rugby
Runs from February to July, featuring teams from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and Japan.
b. Currie Cup
Typically held from July to September, showcasing provincial teams from across South Africa.
c. Vodacom United Rugby Championship
The Championship originated in 1999 when the Welsh and Scottish unions created a competition for their teams, and in 2001 four Irish provinces were added to create the Celtic League.
d. International Matches
Occasional international fixtures featuring the South African national team, the Springboks, occur during the year.
7. Game day experience
After I purchased my tickets online, I received an email with the entry times, transport options, parking and other important need to knows.
a. Pre-Match Atmosphere
You can arrive up to 3 hours before and enjoy live music, food stalls, and fan activities in the stadium before the game.
b. Food and drinks
Inside the stadium there are food stalls with pizza, hot dogs, fries, biltong, boerewors, popcorn, candy and others as well as beer, soft drinks and water.
c. Music
There’s usually a Red Bull DJ at the south end of the stadium playing cool beats and this creates a nice atmosphere to have a good time with friends or family.
d. Stadium Facilities
Modern amenities including concession stands and merchandise stores are available for fans. If you are looking to buy a shirt, cap or any other Stormers merch, this is a perfect location as the store inside the stadium is big and has a good variety of items.
8. What to wear and bring
Opt for comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, as you may be standing or walking throughout the game.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a jacket, as Cape Town’s weather can be unpredictable.
A Springbox or Stormers shirt would be awesome. You can easily buy one at the V&A Waterfront which is a big shopping center nearby or buy directly in the stadium.
9. After the game: exploring Cape Town’s nightlife
After the final whistle blows, continue the excitement by exploring Cape Town’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Green Point as well as the City Center are full of trendy bars, live music venues, and bustling restaurants, the city has something for everyone to enjoy.
I personally always go to “El Burro” in Green Point, it’s walking distance from the stadium and has delicious Mexican food.
10. Understanding Rugby: overview of the sport and its rules
Rugby is a dynamic contact sport played between two teams aiming to score points by carrying, passing, kicking, or grounding the ball over the opponent’s goal line. Key rules include:
- Objective: Score more points than the opposing team by scoring tries (touching the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area) and kicking goals.
- Basic Gameplay: Players pass the ball backward and can run with it, but they cannot pass it forward. Tackling opponents to stop their progress is a fundamental defensive tactic.
- Scoring: Tries are worth five points, with conversion kicks adding two points. Penalty kicks and drop goals also contribute to the score.
- Structure: Rugby matches consist of two halves, each lasting 40 minutes, with a halftime break.
- Positions: Players are assigned specific positions based on their skills and physical attributes, including forwards (who primarily engage in set pieces) and backs (who focus on attacking and scoring).
Whether you’re a seasoned rugby enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, attending a match in Cape Town promises an unforgettable experience. So grab your tickets, don your team colors, and get ready to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of rugby in the Mother City!
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You looks beautiful.it will take you about 15 minutes to get to Newlands Rugby Stadium and will cost you around. I ever watched in my life. I loved the energy of the people at the stadium, the nice beer and boerewors hot dog I ate and the awesome time I spent with my friends.