
62,567 spectators
1928
47 North Park Lane, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2028, South Africa
Johannesburg, England
Grass
Multi-Sport Venue
Rugby Union
Stadium
Traditional oval/rectangular multi-purpose stadium — covered main grandstands along touchlines with open terrace ends, surrounded by the wider Ellis Park World of Sport precinct
Ellis Park Stadium was originally built in 1927-1928 and entirely rebuilt in 1980-1982 before a further R500 million expansion in 2008-2009 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The 62,567-capacity multi-purpose stadium features covered main grandstands along the touchlines, open/terrace sections at both ends, and a comprehensive hospitality complex including the Presidential Suite, Donald Ross Room, VIP Suite, Media Centre (each 100-200 person capacity), and a main foyer accommodating 1,000 people — all overlooking the pitch. The stadium sits at an altitude of approximately 1,753 metres above sea level — the highest of any URC venue. The Ellis Park Rugby Museum occupies a dedicated space within the stadium. The wider Ellis Park World of Sport Precinct also contains the Johannesburg Stadium (37,500 capacity, training ground for Orlando Pirates and Golden Lions Rugby Union) and the Ellis Park Arena indoor venue (6,300 capacity, formerly Standard Bank Arena). The natural grass pitch dimensions are suited to international rugby and football.
Ellis Park Stadium is one of the most historically significant sports venues in South Africa — and indeed in world rugby — the home of the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions in the URC. Located at 47 North Park Lane in the Doornfontein suburb of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, the 62,567-capacity multi-purpose stadium sits at an altitude of approximately 1,753 metres above sea level — the highest of any URC venue. Built in just eight months in 1927-1928 on land made available by Johannesburg City Councillor J.D. Ellis, the stadium opened in June 1928 with the first international rugby match against the All Blacks. Named after J.D. Ellis, the stadium is immortalised in world sporting history as the venue for the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final — where South Africa defeated New Zealand 15-12 on 24 June 1995, with President Nelson Mandela famously wearing a Springbok jersey to present the Webb Ellis Cup to captain Francois Pienaar. In 2005, Ellis Park made history by becoming the first black-owned stadium in South Africa. The stadium is operated by Ellis Park World of Sport and also hosted the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final, five group stage matches and one quarter-final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, plus cricket Test matches from 1947-1956 and a legendary crowd of 95,000 for the 1955 British and Irish Lions match. The stadium was known as Emirates Airline Park from 2015 until June 2025, when the naming rights deal ended and the venue reverted to the Ellis Park Stadium name. The Lions franchise (known as Fidelity SecureDrive Lions for sponsorship since late 2025) joined the URC in the 2021-22 season.
The Ellis Park site was secured in 1927 when the Transvaal Rugby Football Union negotiated with J.D. Ellis of the Johannesburg City Council to make 13 acres of land available — an area previously occupied by quarry and garbage dumps in Doornfontein. Construction began quickly, with the stadium built in just eight months and opening in June 1928 with a first international rugby match against the All Blacks. In 1932 the stadium was officially named Ellis Park after J.D. Ellis. Huge crowds flocked to the new venue: an extraordinary 95,000 spectators attended the British and Irish Lions match in 1955 — one of the largest rugby crowds ever assembled. Cricket Test matches were played at Ellis Park from 1947 to 1956 before the New Wanderers Stadium opened and cricket relocated. Rugby was briefly suspended during 1980-81 when the stadium was entirely rebuilt. The 1982 upgrade made Ellis Park the most modern stadium in South Africa, with capacity reaching close to 60,000. Naming rights history: Coca-Cola Park (2008-2012), Emirates Airline Park (2015-June 2025), reverting to Ellis Park Stadium from June 2025. The defining moment came on 24 June 1995 — the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final. South Africa defeated New Zealand 15-12 in extra time in front of a sold-out capacity crowd, with the image of President Nelson Mandela — 14 months into his term as South Africa's first democratically elected president — wearing a Springbok No. 6 jersey and presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar becoming one of the most famous photographs in world history. In 2005, the Golden Lions Rugby Union relinquished management to a majority black-owned company — making Ellis Park the first black-owned stadium in South Africa. A R500 million upgrade was completed in 2008-2009, expanding capacity by 5,000 seats, upgrading the Presidential Suite and hospitality rooms, and installing new changing rooms for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Lions joined the URC in 2021-22 as one of four South African franchises.
Ellis Park Stadium generates one of the most passionate rugby atmospheres in South Africa — a cauldron of Lions supporters at high altitude (1,753m above sea level) wearing the distinctive Emirates/Lions red, white and gold jerseys and generating intense noise from the 62,567-capacity bowl. The famous Ellis Park partisan crowd is known for its passionate support through difficult seasons, with the Lions being one of the most supported franchises in South African rugby despite being one of the least decorated in the professional era. The altitude at 1,753m is the most extreme of any URC venue — even higher than Loftus Versfeld's 1,350m — making Ellis Park one of the most physically demanding away grounds in the competition for visiting European and coastal South African teams. The Ellis Park Rugby Museum within the stadium — housing memorabilia from the famous 1995 World Cup Final — draws thousands of visitors year-round, and the stadium's legendary history gives every matchday a unique sense of occasion.
The Ellis Park Stadium and Rugby Museum Tour is a 90-minute guided behind-the-scenes experience of one of world rugby's most historically significant venues. Adult tickets approximately R120, child R60, with family rates available. Tours run Monday to Friday at 10am and 2pm, subject to availability — not available on Lions matchdays, Currie Cup matchdays, soccer match days, concerts, or events. The centrepiece is the Ellis Park Rugby Museum — one of South Africa's finest collections of rugby memorabilia featuring the original Webb Ellis Cup replica, match programmes from the 1928 All Blacks opening match, documentation of the legendary 1955 Lions crowd of 95,000, and extensive 1995 Rugby World Cup Final memorabilia including artefacts from the Nelson Mandela-Francois Pienaar moment. The tour also includes the home Lions dressing room, the players' tunnel, pitchside at 1,753m altitude, the Presidential Suite, nine conference and hospitality rooms overlooking the pitch, and the press room. Book via lionsrugby.co.za or by phone +27 11 402 8644. The tour is wheelchair accessible with prior notification.
The Ellis Park Rugby Museum is one of the great rugby heritage destinations in the world — located within the stadium and housing an extensive collection spanning almost 100 years of Ellis Park and South African rugby history. Key highlights include: the original Webb Ellis Cup replica from the famous 1995 Rugby World Cup Final; match programmes and artefacts from the June 1928 opening match against the New Zealand All Blacks; documentation of the extraordinary 95,000 crowd for the 1955 British and Irish Lions match; the full story of the iconic 1995 Rugby World Cup Final when South Africa defeated New Zealand 15-12 and President Nelson Mandela wore the Springbok No. 6 jersey to present the Webb Ellis Cup to captain Francois Pienaar (one of the most famous photographs in world history); the history of the Transvaal/Golden Lions/Lions franchise from 1889 to the URC era; and Ellis Park's 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy. The museum is accessible as part of the stadium tour (R120 adult / R60 child) and is open Monday-Friday on non-matchdays.
Park Station is Johannesburg's main railway hub, approximately 4km from Ellis Park Stadium in Doornfontein. The Gautrain services at Park/Johannesburg Station run between Sandton, Rosebank, and O.R. Tambo International Airport — journey times to O.R. Tambo approximately 20 minutes, Sandton 12 minutes. From Park Station, Uber/Bolt to Ellis Park is typically a 10-minute, R40-R60 ride. Metrorail Gauteng commuter rail also serves Park Station but faces reliability challenges — Uber/Bolt is recommended for matchday travel.
The Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system serves the Doornfontein area with stops within walking distance of Ellis Park. Route B1 runs from Ellis Park to Park Station, Joubert Park, and onto the Soweto stations. The Lions Rugby also operate dedicated matchday shuttle services from designated Johannesburg pickup points on URC and Currie Cup matchdays — check lionsrugby.co.za for the latest shuttle timetables. Rea Vaya fares are typically R9-R15 using the Rea Vaya card.
Ellis Park Stadium is easily reached via the M2 motorway (Main Reef Road) through Johannesburg CBD, or via the N3 Durban highway. From Sandton/northern suburbs, take the M1 South to the Doornfontein/Ellis Park exit. The Ellis Park World of Sport Precinct includes multiple on-site and adjacent parking areas for matchday use. Parking is available within the precinct at designated lots — arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off to secure a space. Uber/Bolt are also widely available and the recommended option for visitors.
Ellis Park Stadium is located in the Doornfontein suburb, approximately 4km from the Johannesburg CBD (Park Station area) — a 45-50 minute walk that is not recommended as a routine matchday option given the inner-city Johannesburg environment. However, the immediate Doornfontein/Ellis Park precinct area is safe and walkable for short distances between the various Ellis Park World of Sport precinct venues (main stadium, Johannesburg Stadium, Ellis Park Arena). Uber/Bolt are strongly recommended for all stadium travel.
The Ellis Park Stadium Tour is a guided behind-the-scenes experience of one of world rugby's most historically significant venues — the home of the famous 1995 Rugby World Cup Final. The 90-minute tour includes the iconic Ellis Park Rugby Museum (housing one of South Africa's finest collections of rugby memorabilia), the home Lions dressing room, the players' tunnel, pitchside on the famous grass surface at 1,753m altitude, the hospitality suites and nine conference venues, the Presidential Suite (refurbished 2009), and the press room. The Ellis Park Rugby Museum is the centrepiece — featuring the original Webb Ellis Cup replica, match programmes from the 1928 All Blacks game, photos from the legendary 1955 Lions match (95,000 crowd), and extensive 1995 Rugby World Cup Final memorabilia including items from the Mandela-Pienaar moment. Adult tickets approximately R120, child R60.
Adult tickets cost £120, children's tickets are £60, and concession tickets are available for £85. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 90 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
The Ellis Park Stadium & Rugby Museum Tour includes walk down the famous 1995 rugby world cup final players' tunnel, visit the home lions dressing room, pitchside at 1,753m altitude, the ellis park rugby museum (webb ellis cup replica, 1995 rwc final memorabilia, mandela-pienaar moment artefacts, 1928 opening match programme, 1955 lions crowd of 95,000 documentation), presidential suite, nine conference venues, press room, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Tours run Monday to Friday at 10am and 2pm, subject to availability. Not available on Lions matchdays, Currie Cup matchdays, FIFA/soccer match days, or when concerts or events are scheduled. The Ellis Park Rugby Museum is accessible on most non-matchday weekdays. Book in advance via lionsrugby.co.za or Ellis Park World of Sport at +27 11 402 8644. Group discounts available for parties of 10+.
Luxury accommodation
Rates from £4500 to £12000 per night
Sandton Sun Hotel is one of Johannesburg's leading 5-star luxury hotels — a magnificent property in the upmarket Sandton City shopping and business district, approximately 25 minutes drive from Ellis Park. With 335 rooms, the hotel features the award-winning SunSquare restaurant, the famous poolside Sundeck Terrace, a full spa, fitness centre, and exceptional Sandton City retail and entertainment access. The Gautrain Sandton Station is directly adjacent — providing easy access to the stadium via Gautrain + Uber/Bolt.
Mid-range accommodation
Rates from £2200 to £4800 per night
Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers is a popular 4-star mid-range hotel in the Illovo area of Johannesburg, approximately 15 minutes drive from Ellis Park. The 228-room hotel offers comfortable modern accommodation, the on-site Wanderers Grill, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and free secure on-site parking. A reliable choice for visiting Lions and Springbok fans, particularly those combining the match with New Wanderers cricket stadium events next door.
Budget accommodation
Rates from £1400 to £2800 per night
City Lodge Hotel Johannesburg OR Tambo is one of the most convenient budget options for visitors flying into Johannesburg for a Lions match — located at O.R. Tambo International Airport, approximately 30 minutes drive from Ellis Park. The 140-room hotel offers comfortable modern accommodation, free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, free secure parking, and a 24-hour shuttle to the airport terminals. Ideal for short-stay rugby visitors flying in and out on matchday.
Boutique accommodation
Rates from £2500 to £6000 per night
12 Decades Art Hotel is one of Johannesburg's most celebrated boutique properties — a stunning 4-star art-themed hotel in the revitalised Newtown cultural district, approximately 12 minutes drive from Ellis Park. Each of the 55 individually designed rooms is dedicated to a specific decade in Johannesburg's 120-year history, with artwork, memorabilia and design reflecting the era. Located in the heart of Joburg's most vibrant arts, culture, and food district, with the Museum Africa, Market Theatre, and Maboneng nearby.
Ellis Park Stadium offers step-free access via designated accessible entrances, improved during the R500 million 2008-2009 upgrade for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Stewards are available on matchdays to assist wheelchair users and guests with reduced mobility. Wheelchair users should contact the Lions ticket office in advance to confirm the best accessible entrance and seating area.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces with adjacent companion seating are available at Ellis Park Stadium, providing unobstructed pitch views. Advance booking via the Lions ticket office is essential for all fixtures. Companion ticket typically included or available at concession rate. Demand is high for URC South African derbies.
Accessible toilet facilities are located throughout Ellis Park Stadium, upgraded during the 2008-2009 renovation. Locations are signposted from accessible seating areas. Baby-changing facilities are also provided. Stewards can direct visitors to the nearest accessible facilities.
Designated disabled parking bays are available within the Ellis Park World of Sport Precinct for South African Disabled Persons Parking Permit holders. Pre-booking via the Lions ticket office or Ellis Park World of Sport is recommended for matchdays. South African Disabled Persons Parking Permit required on display. Contact +27 11 402 8644 for matchday arrangements.
Lions Rugby and Ellis Park World of Sport stewards are available throughout matchdays to assist supporters with reduced mobility. The stadium tour and museum visit can be adapted for wheelchair users with prior notification. Notify the ticket office in advance if specific assistance is required.
Trained guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at Ellis Park Stadium. Please notify the ticket office in advance so suitable adjacent seating can be allocated and water bowls arranged. Notify in advance via tickets@lionsrugby.co.za
Open and Terrace Sections tickets range from £100 to £250 for the available as part of lions season membership packages..
Most affordable matchday option — the most atmospheric place to experience Ellis Park rugby.
These the most affordable matchday ticket category at ellis park — open and terrace sections housing the most passionate lions supporters. the traditional heart of the famous ellis park atmosphere. tickets include open/terrace entry, programme available separately, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Main North and South Grandstands tickets range from £250 to £500 for the main grandstand season membership covers all home urc and epcr fixtures..
Covered main grandstand seating — the most popular general admission category at Ellis Park.
These the main covered grandstands at ellis park provide the primary matchday seating along the touchlines, with excellent pitch views under the covered roof sections. the most popular general admission category. tickets include reserved covered seat, programme available separately, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Club Level (Halfway Line) tickets range from £550 to £1000 for the club level season membership available..
Premium halfway-line seats — the best views at Ellis Park Stadium.
These the club level offers premium reserved seating at the halfway line — the best views in the stadium with access to the premium hospitality concourses and the nine conference and hospitality rooms overlooking the pitch. tickets include premium reserved seat, access to club level concourse facilities, programme available separately, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Presidential Suite, Donald Ross Room, VIP Suite & Media Centre tickets range from £2000 to £8000 for the annual suite leases and hospitality memberships available covering all home urc and epcr fixtures..
Full hospitality experience in one of Ellis Park's legendary named rooms. Pricing varies by fixture category.
These ellis park stadium offers a range of hospitality options including the renovated presidential suite, the donald ross room (100-person capacity), the vip suite (200-person capacity), the media centre (200-person capacity), and the main foyer (1,000-person capacity for larger functions). all overlook the pitch. standard matchday hospitality packages include pre-match south african dining, complimentary beverages, premium seating, and dedicated service. tickets include pre-match south african dining, complimentary south african wines and beers, premium padded seat, programme, dedicated host, post-match refreshments, parking pass, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Choice of Seating Area tickets range from £1500 to £8000 for the season memberships typically open in july for following season starting september/october..
Best value way to attend multiple Lions matches across the season — significant discount versus walk-up prices.
These lions rugby season memberships offer the best value way to follow the lions throughout the season — covering all home urc and epcr challenge cup/champions cup fixtures. junior memberships heavily discounted; family packages available. tickets include all home urc fixtures, all home epcr fixtures, priority play-off booking, member-only events, lions merchandise discounts, ellis park rugby museum tour discount, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Ellis Park Stadium has a capacity of 62,567 spectators. The stadium has seen historically much larger crowds — most famously approximately 95,000 for the British and Irish Lions match in 1955, before modern safety standards reduced capacity. The 2009 upgrade increased capacity by 5,000 seats ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Ellis Park Stadium hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final on 24 June 1995 — one of the most significant sporting events in South African history. South Africa defeated New Zealand 15-12 in front of a sold-out crowd, with the image of President Nelson Mandela — wearing a Springbok No. 6 jersey — presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to captain Francois Pienaar becoming one of the most famous photographs in world history. The moment symbolised South Africa's post-apartheid rainbow nation and is celebrated globally as sport's greatest unifying moment.
Yes. Ellis Park Stadium was known as Emirates Airline Park from 2015 until June 2025, when the naming rights deal with Emirates Airline ended and the stadium reverted to its original Ellis Park Stadium name. Previous names include Coca-Cola Park (2008-2012). The Lions franchise is currently known as the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions for sponsorship reasons.
The Ellis Park Rugby Museum is located within the stadium and houses one of South Africa's finest collections of rugby memorabilia. Highlights include the original Webb Ellis Cup replica, match programmes from the 1928 All Blacks opening match, documentation of the legendary 1955 Lions fixture (95,000 crowd), extensive 1995 Rugby World Cup Final memorabilia including artefacts from the Nelson Mandela-Francois Pienaar moment, and the full history of Transvaal/Lions rugby from 1889 to the present. The museum is accessible as part of the stadium tour (R120 adult / R60 child).
Park Station is the nearest mainline railway hub, approximately 4km from Ellis Park. Gautrain services run from Park/Johannesburg Station to Sandton (12 min) and O.R. Tambo Airport (20 min). From Park Station, Uber/Bolt to Ellis Park is approximately 10 minutes (R40-R60). The Rea Vaya BRT Route B1 also stops virtually at the Ellis Park entrance, running from Park Station to the stadium.
Matchday parking is available within the Ellis Park World of Sport Precinct, with multiple designated lots. Arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off. Uber/Bolt are widely recommended as the easiest and safest transport option — particularly for visitors unfamiliar with the Doornfontein area.
Yes — the Ellis Park Stadium and Rugby Museum Tour is approximately 90 minutes. Adult tickets approximately R120, child R60. Tours include the Ellis Park Rugby Museum (1995 RWC Final memorabilia), the Lions dressing room, players' tunnel, pitchside, hospitality suites, and nine conference venues. Tours run Monday-Friday subject to availability. Book via lionsrugby.co.za or +27 11 402 8644.
Lions URC tickets at Ellis Park start at approximately R100-R250 for open/terrace tickets, R250-R500 for main grandstand covered seats, R550-R1,000 for Club Level premium seats, and hospitality packages from R2,000 per person. Season memberships offer significant savings. Pricing varies by fixture category (Springbok Tests and European Champions Cup matches at the higher end).
Ellis Park Stadium was built in just eight months in 1927-1928, opening in June 1928 with a first international rugby match against the New Zealand All Blacks. Land was made available by Johannesburg City Councillor J.D. Ellis, after whom the stadium is named. The site in Doornfontein was previously occupied by a quarry and garbage dumps. The stadium was entirely rebuilt in 1980-82, making it the most modern stadium in South Africa at the time.
Ellis Park Stadium is the home of the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions (URC and European competitions) and the Golden Lions (Currie Cup). The South Africa Springboks national team also plays selected Test matches at the venue. The stadium is part of the Ellis Park World of Sport precinct, managed by Interza Lesego, Orlando Pirates Football Club and Ellis Park Stadium (Pty) Ltd.
Ellis Park Stadium sits at approximately 1,753 metres above sea level — the highest altitude of any URC venue, even exceeding Loftus Versfeld's famous 1,350m altitude. The thin Highveld air at Ellis Park is a significant challenge for visiting teams from sea level, making it one of the most physically demanding away grounds in world rugby.
The Ellis Park World of Sport Precinct includes Ellis Park Stadium (62,567 capacity), the Johannesburg Stadium (37,500 capacity — a multi-purpose training venue for Orlando Pirates and the Golden Lions Rugby Union), and the Ellis Park Arena (indoor arena, 6,300 capacity — formerly Standard Bank Arena). The precinct is one of the great multi-venue sports complexes in South Africa.
15 June 2025
The Lions completed the 2024-25 United Rugby Championship season finishing 11th overall (4th in the South African Shield) under head coach Ivan van Rooyen and captain Marius Louw — missing out on the URC playoffs. However, the 2025 Currie Cup campaign delivered a runners-up finish and 1st overall ranking. The 2024-25 season was the Lions' fourth in the URC. Ivan van Rooyen continued as head coach into 2025-26 alongside new franchise captain Francke Horn as the Lions sought to convert Currie Cup form to URC consistency.
1 June 2025
Ellis Park Stadium reverted to its original historic name in June 2025 after the naming rights deal with Emirates Airline — in place since 2015 — came to an end. The stadium had previously been known as Emirates Airline Park for a decade, and before that Coca-Cola Park (2008-2012). The original Ellis Park name, in honour of Johannesburg City Councillor J.D. Ellis who made the land available in 1927, is considered the authentic identity of one of world rugby's most historic venues. The Lions franchise simultaneously rebranded as the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions under a new title sponsorship deal.
11 June 2010
Ellis Park Stadium hosted five group stage matches, one second round match, and one quarter-final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa following a major R500 million upgrade completed in 2008-2009. The upgrade expanded seating capacity by 5,000, refurbished the Presidential Suite, added a new hospitality room, and installed new changing rooms and high-tech media facilities. The 2010 World Cup investment cemented Ellis Park's status as a world-class multi-purpose venue.
24 June 1995
On 24 June 1995, Ellis Park Stadium hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final — one of the most significant sporting events in world history. South Africa defeated New Zealand 15-12 in extra time, with Joel Stransky dropping the winning goal. President Nelson Mandela, 14 months into his term as South Africa's first democratically elected president, walked onto the Ellis Park pitch wearing a Springbok No. 6 jersey — the same number worn by captain Francois Pienaar — to present the Webb Ellis Cup. The image of Mandela and Pienaar has been viewed by billions of people and is widely regarded as sport's greatest act of unity and nation-building.
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