Top 10 Stadiums in Johannesburg (2026)

Johannesburg is a city that loves sport. From the roar of 90,000 football fans to the thunder of rugby clashes, the city’s stadiums have hosted some of the most memorable moments in South African sporting history. They have also welcomed the world’s biggest music acts, from U2 to Beyoncé.

The stadiums of Johannesburg are more than just venues. They are landmarks. They tell the story of a city that has always dreamed big, from the building of FNB Stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the modernisation of Ellis Park for the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

This guide ranks the top 10 stadiums in and around Johannesburg for 2026. We cover capacity, history, major events, and what makes each venue unique.

Top 10 Stadiums in Johannesburg: Complete Guide

Quick Reference: Top 10 Stadiums in Johannesburg (2026)

Rank	Stadium	Location	Capacity	Primary Use
1	FNB Stadium	Soweto	94,736	Football, major events
2	Ellis Park Stadium	Doornfontein	62,000	Rugby, football
3	Orlando Stadium	Soweto	40,000	Football
4	Wanderers Stadium	Illovo	34,000	Cricket
5	Dobsonville Stadium	Soweto	24,000	Football
6	Johannesburg Stadium	Observatory	23,000	Athletics, football
7	Wits Rugby Stadium	Wits University	10,000	Rugby, university sport
8	Bidvest Stadium	Braamfontein	5,000	Football, smaller events
9	Ruimsig Stadium	Roodepoort	4,500	Multi-purpose
10	Marks Park Sports Club	Emmarentia	2,000	Hockey, bowls, tennis

Note: Capacities are approximate and may vary depending on event setup.

1. FNB Stadium

The FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, is the undisputed king of South African stadiums. It is the largest stadium in Africa and a true icon of Johannesburg. Its distinctive shape, inspired by a traditional African pot, makes it instantly recognisable.

Location: Soweto, Nasrec
Opened: 1987 (rebuilt for 2010)
Capacity: 94,736
Major Tenants: Kaizer Chiefs, South African national football team (Bafana Bafana)

Major Events:

2010 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain vs Netherlands.
2010 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony.
2013 African Cup of Nations Final.
Nelson Mandela Memorial Service (2013).
Concerts by U2, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and many others.

The stadium underwent a massive renovation for the 2010 World Cup, transforming it into the world-class venue it is today. The exterior cladding resembles a calabash, and at night it glows with warm colours.

Facilities:

Multiple hospitality suites.
Restaurants and food courts.
Museum.
Conference facilities.
Extensive parking.

Best for: Football matches, major concerts, national events, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

2. Ellis Park Stadium

Ellis Park is a historic venue with a special place in South African hearts. It was here that the Springboks won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, a moment immortalised in the film Invictus. It is a cathedral of sport.

Location: Doornfontein
Opened: 1928
Capacity: 62,000
Major Tenants: Lions (rugby), Golden Lions (rugby), Orlando Pirates (football, some matches)

Major Events:

1995 Rugby World Cup Final: South Africa vs New Zealand.
2010 FIFA World Cup matches.
Lions Rugby home games.
Orlando Pirates home games.
Concerts by The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, and others.

Ellis Park has a classic, atmospheric feel. It may not have the modern gloss of FNB Stadium, but it has soul. The stands are close to the pitch, creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.

Facilities:

Corporate hospitality suites.
Conference facilities.
Restaurants.
Museum commemorating 1995.

Best for: Rugby matches, football matches, historic sporting experiences.

3. Orlando Stadium

Orlando Stadium is the heartbeat of Soweto football. It is the home of Orlando Pirates and a symbol of the rich sporting culture of the township. The stadium has a special energy on match days.

Location: Soweto, Orlando East
Opened: 1972 (renovated 2008)
Capacity: 40,000
Major Tenants: Orlando Pirates

Major Events:

2010 FIFA World Cup training venue.
Orlando Pirates home games.
Concerts and events.
Community and school sports.

The stadium was completely renovated for the 2010 World Cup, transforming it into a modern, comfortable venue while retaining its Sowetan soul. It is located in the heart of Orlando East, surrounded by the community.

Facilities:

Modern changing rooms.
Hospitality suites.
Media centre.
Practice fields.

Best for: Orlando Pirates matches, experiencing Soweto football culture.

4. Wanderers Stadium

The Wanderers Stadium, affectionately known as the Bullring, is South Africa’s premier cricket venue. It is home to the Highveld Lions and regularly hosts international test matches, ODIs, and T20s.

Location: Illovo, Sandton
Opened: 1956
Capacity: 34,000
Major Tenants: Highveld Lions, South African national cricket team

Major Events:

Test matches, ODIs, and T20 internationals.
2003 Cricket World Cup matches.
SA20 league matches (Joburg Super Kings).
Concerts.

The Wanderers has a unique atmosphere. The stands are close to the action, and the pitch is known for being batsman-friendly. The name Bullring comes from the shape and the intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.

Facilities:

Multiple hospitality suites.
Restaurants and bars.
The Wanderers Club.
Extensive parking.

Best for: Cricket matches of all formats, corporate hospitality.

5. Dobsonville Stadium

Dobsonville Stadium is another important Soweto venue. It serves as a home ground for various football clubs and is an important community asset.

Location: Soweto, Dobsonville
Opened: 1975 (renovated 2010)
Capacity: 24,000
Major Tenants: Moroka Swallows, various other PSL teams

Major Events:

2010 FIFA World Cup training venue.
Premier Soccer League matches.
Community events.
Concerts.

The stadium was upgraded for the 2010 World Cup and offers a modern, comfortable experience for fans. It is less famous than Orlando Stadium but equally important to the local community.

Facilities:

Modern changing rooms.
Hospitality areas.
Media facilities.
Parking.

Best for: PSL football matches, experiencing local football culture.

6. Johannesburg Stadium

Johannesburg Stadium is a multi-purpose venue in Observatory, primarily used for athletics and football. It has hosted major international events and continues to serve the sporting community.

Location: Observatory
Opened: 1977
Capacity: 23,000
Major Tenants: Athletics events, various football clubs

Major Events:

1999 All-Africa Games.
Athletics meetings.
PSL football matches in the past.
Concerts.

The stadium has an athletics track around the field, making it suitable for track and field events. It has a classic, functional design.

Facilities:

Athletics track.
Changing rooms.
Media facilities.
Parking.

Best for: Athletics events, football matches.

7. Wits Rugby Stadium

The Wits Rugby Stadium is located on the campus of the University of the Witwatersrand in Braamfontein. It is a modern, intimate venue for rugby and university sport.

Location: Wits University, Braamfontein
Opened: 2016 (redeveloped)
Capacity: 10,000
Major Tenants: Wits Rugby, university sport

Major Events:

Varsity Cup rugby.
University sporting events.
Community events.

The stadium was redeveloped in 2016 and now features modern facilities, including floodlights for evening matches. It is a hub of university sporting life.

Facilities:

Modern changing rooms.
Corporate hospitality.
Catering facilities.
Parking.

Best for: Varsity Cup rugby, university sport.

8. Bidvest Stadium

Bidvest Stadium is a smaller, modern venue located in Braamfontein, close to Wits University. It is used for football matches and other events.

Location: Braamfontein
Opened: 2010
Capacity: 5,000
Major Tenants: Various football clubs, university sport

Major Events:

Premier Soccer League matches (occasional).
University football.
Training sessions.

The stadium has a simple, functional design and is part of the Bidvest sporting complex. It is a useful venue for smaller-scale events.

Facilities:

Changing rooms.
Catering.
Parking.

Best for: Smaller football matches, training.

9. Ruimsig Stadium

Ruimsig Stadium is located in Roodepoort, on the western side of Johannesburg. It is a multi-purpose venue used for football, athletics, and community events.

Location: Roodepoort
Opened: 2000 (approx)
Capacity: 4,500
Major Tenants: Local football clubs, athletics

Major Events:

Local football matches.
Athletics meetings.
Community events.

The stadium has an athletics track and a grass field. It serves the Roodepoort community and surrounding areas.

Facilities:

Athletics track.
Changing rooms.
Parking.

Best for: Local sport, community events.

10. Marks Park Sports Club

Marks Park is not a traditional stadium but a large sports complex in Emmarentia. It is included here because it is a major hub for various sports, including hockey, bowls, tennis, and swimming.

Location: Emmarentia
Opened: Various dates
Capacity: Various venues, largest arena approximately 2,000
Major Tenants: Hockey clubs, bowls clubs, tennis clubs

Major Events:

National hockey tournaments.
Provincial bowls championships.
Tennis tournaments.
Community sport.

Marks Park has multiple facilities, including:

Astroturf hockey fields.
Bowling greens.
Tennis courts.
Swimming pool.
Clubhouse with restaurant.

It is a vibrant hub of amateur and club sport in Johannesburg.

Facilities:

Multiple sporting venues.
Clubhouse and restaurant.
Parking.
Changing rooms.

Best for: Hockey, bowls, tennis, club sport.

Quick Reference: Stadiums in Johannesburg (2026)

Stadium	Location	Capacity	Primary Use	Best For
FNB Stadium	Soweto	94,736	Football, events	Major events
Ellis Park	Doornfontein	62,000	Rugby, football	Rugby, historic
Orlando Stadium	Soweto	40,000	Football	Soweto football
Wanderers	Illovo	34,000	Cricket	Cricket
Dobsonville	Soweto	24,000	Football	Local football
Johannesburg Stadium	Observatory	23,000	Athletics	Athletics
Wits Rugby	Braamfontein	10,000	Rugby	Varsity rugby
Bidvest	Braamfontein	5,000	Football	Smaller matches
Ruimsig	Roodepoort	4,500	Multi-purpose	Local sport
Marks Park	Emmarentia	2,000	Various	Club sport

Note: Capacities are approximate and may vary depending on event setup.

Getting To The Stadiums

FNB Stadium:

Located in Nasrec, Soweto. Accessible via the M1 highway and Nasrec Road. Rea Vaya bus service operates on match days. Parking is available but limited.

Ellis Park:

Located in Doornfontein, near the Johannesburg CBD. Accessible via the M2 highway. Parking is limited; public transport or ride-sharing recommended.

Orlando Stadium:

Located in Orlando East, Soweto. Accessible via the Soweto Highway. Rea Vaya bus service operates.

Wanderers Stadium:

Located in Illovo, Sandton. Accessible via the M1 highway and Corlett Drive. Ample parking available.

Dobsonville Stadium:

Located in Dobsonville, Soweto. Accessible via the Soweto Highway.

Match Day Tips

Arrive early to avoid traffic and queues.
Use public transport or ride-sharing where possible.
Check the stadium’s bag policy before you go.
Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Bring earplugs for very loud matches or concerts.
Know the entry gates and your seat section.
Stay hydrated, especially for day games.
Respect fellow fans and enjoy the atmosphere.

Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section

What is the biggest stadium in Johannesburg?

FNB Stadium is the largest, with a capacity of 94,736. It is the biggest stadium in Africa.

Which stadiums are in Soweto?

FNB Stadium, Orlando Stadium, and Dobsonville Stadium are all located in Soweto.

Which stadium is best for rugby?

Ellis Park is the premier rugby venue, home to the Lions. Wits Rugby Stadium also hosts rugby.

Which stadium is best for cricket?

Wanderers Stadium is the home of cricket in Johannesburg.

Do stadiums host concerts?

Yes. FNB Stadium and Ellis Park regularly host major international artists.

Can I take a stadium tour?

Some stadiums offer tours. Check individual websites for details.

Is parking available at stadiums?

Parking is available but limited at most stadiums. Public transport is recommended for major events.

What is the oldest stadium in Johannesburg?

Ellis Park, opened in 1928, is the oldest major stadium still in use.

Which stadium hosted the 2010 World Cup Final?

FNB Stadium hosted the final between Spain and the Netherlands.

Are stadiums accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, all major stadiums have facilities for people with disabilities. Check with the venue for specific arrangements.

Summary: Which Stadium Should You Visit?

Choose FNB Stadium for:

Major football matches.
International concerts.
The biggest events in South Africa.

Choose Ellis Park for:

Rugby matches.
Historic sporting atmosphere.
A classic stadium experience.

Choose Orlando Stadium for:

Orlando Pirates matches.
Authentic Soweto football culture.
A vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.

Choose Wanderers Stadium for:

International cricket.
A day out at the cricket.
Corporate hospitality.

Choose Dobsonville Stadium for:

Local PSL football.
A more intimate match day experience.

Choose Johannesburg Stadium for:

Athletics events.
Track and field.

Choose Wits Rugby Stadium for:

Varsity Cup rugby.
University sport atmosphere.

Choose Bidvest or Ruimsig for:

Smaller matches and events.
Local sport.

Choose Marks Park for:

Club hockey, bowls, or tennis.
Participating in sport, not just watching.

Final Warning: Plan Ahead

Major events at Johannesburg’s stadiums draw huge crowds. Traffic can be challenging. Parking fills up early. Public transport is often the best option.

Check event timings and arrive with plenty of time. Follow the stadium’s rules and instructions from security. Most importantly, enjoy the experience.

Johannesburg’s stadiums have hosted some of the world’s greatest sporting and entertainment moments. They are part of the city’s soul.

Official Resources:

FNB Stadium: www.fnbstadium.co.za
Ellis Park: www.ellispark.co.za
Wanderers Stadium: www.wanderers.co.za
Stadium Management SA: www.smsa.co.za

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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Stadium capacities, events, and access arrangements are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the venue before attending.