Soccer City: Won't be home to the Lions
The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) have confirmed that they have rejected the opportunity to take up occupancy at Soccer City.
The stadium was completely revamped for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has state of the art facilities and a maximum capacity of 94 700.
Stadium Management SA (SMSA) - who operate Soccer City - had proposed to the Lions that they play their Super Rugby and Currie Cup clashes at the Soweto venue rather than their current home of Coca-Cola Park (formerly Ellis Park).
However, the GLRU have decided against taking up the proposal.
"We were informed by the Lions that discussions between us have concluded and that our offer was not acceptable to the Lions and that Coca-Cola Park will remain the home of the Lions," said SMSA chief executive Jacques Grobbelaar.
"We have noted the expertise employed by the Lions in assessing the possibility of the Lions relocating to the Soccer City Complex, and SMSA understands and respects the reasoning behind the decision made."
GLRU president Kevin de Klerk said that the Lions were happy with their current home and would look to make improvements on the stadium as is deemed necessary.
"The Lions will pursue any reservations about the stadium's locality and will continue to provide a friendly, pleasing environment as has been done over the past few years," he said.
Comments
Gabs678 says...
As far as real rugby fans are concerned, it always was and always will be Ellis Park; Coca Cola Park has been foisted on us by the marketing guys. The only people who call it Coca Cola Park are thos contractually obliged to do so.
Posted 09:30 18th October 2011
Herbman says...
The best thing they can do is rename it back to Ellis Park. They must have REALLY needed the money to change it to Coca-Cola Park.
Posted 21:57 17th October 2011