Loftus Versfeld Stadium - Home of the Vodacom Bulls, Pretoria

Loftus Versfeld Stadium is one of the most iconic and storied sporting venues in world rugby — the legendary home of the Vodacom Bulls in the URC and a fortress of South African rugby for over 100 years. Located at 440 Kirkness Street in the Arcadia suburb of Pretoria, Gauteng Province, the 51,762-capacity stadium sits at an altitude of 1,350 metres above sea level — a notorious challenge for visiting teams who arrive from sea level and struggle with the thin Highveld air. Owned by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, the stadium is home to the Vodacom Bulls (URC), the Blue Bulls (Currie Cup), the Bulls Daisies (Women's Super League 1 — the first professional women's rugby team in South Africa, 2026 champions), and PSL football giants Mamelodi Sundowns. It also regularly hosts South Africa Springboks Test matches. The original ground broke earth in 1905, with the first concrete grandstand opened in 1923. Renovations followed in 1977 and a major expansion was completed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which Loftus Versfeld hosted (including six pool stage matches and a Round of 16 fixture). The stadium was named after Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld (1862-1932), the founder of organised sports in Pretoria, and was declared a National Monument under South African heritage legislation on 21 September 1979. The famous 2009 second Test between South Africa and the British & Irish Lions — which the Springboks won to clinch the series — remains one of the most celebrated rugby moments at the ground.

Loftus Versfeld Stadium traces its history to 1905, when ground was broken at the Eastern Sports Ground site in Arcadia, Pretoria. The first sporting events were held in 1906 with capacity for just 2,000 spectators. In 1923, the Pretoria City Council commenced the building of a concrete grandstand which could accommodate 2,000 spectators — the moment widely considered the official opening of the stadium. The 1928 All Blacks tour proved financially transformative, and the resulting profits funded the construction of changing rooms and toilets. When the legendary Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld — founder of organised sports in Pretoria and one of the founding members of Pretoria Rugby Club — died suddenly in May 1932, the Pretoria Sub-union renamed the ground in his honour. Before becoming officially Loftus Versfeld, the stadium had been known affectionately as "Die Springbokpark". The stadium was declared a National Monument on 21 September 1979. Major renovations followed in 1977 to modernise facilities. The stadium briefly bore sponsorship names: Minolta Loftus (11 June 1998 - 4 February 2003) and Securicor Loftus (2003-2005), before reverting to the original name when Vodacom became the title sponsor. The Bulls franchise was formed for Super 12 rugby in 1996, becoming the Vodacom Bulls in 2005. The franchise won the Super 14 in 2007 (beating the Sharks in Durban), 2009 (beating the Chiefs in Pretoria), and 2010 (beating the Stormers in Soweto). On 27 June 2009, the stadium hosted the second Test between the Springboks and the British & Irish Lions, with South Africa winning 28-25 to clinch the series 2-0 with a match to spare — one of the most celebrated rugby moments in the stadium's history. In June 2010, the stadium hosted six pool stage matches and one Round of 16 fixture of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, having undergone significant renovations to floodlights, audio-visual equipment, scoreboard, and media facilities. The Bulls joined the URC in 2021-22 along with the other three South African franchises, with Loftus Versfeld immediately establishing itself as one of the most feared away venues in the competition. The Bulls reached the 2022, 2023, and 2024 URC Grand Finals at Loftus Versfeld, losing all three, before finally being runners-up in 2025.

Loftus Versfeld is one of the most intimidating rugby venues in world rugby — a true fortress of South African rugby where visiting teams have to overcome both the famous "Bulls Bull" home crowd and the brutal challenge of 1,350m altitude. The famous "Voetsek!" chant that greets opposition kickers, the deafening roar of over 50,000 home supporters when the Bulls score, and the rich tradition of singing "Liefde Vir Die Land" (Love For The Land) before kick-off create an atmosphere unmatched anywhere in the URC. The thin Highveld air dramatically affects visiting teams from sea level (Cape Town, Durban, all European URC teams) — making Loftus the most decisive home advantage in the league. The famous Loftus Fan Park before matches, the Trademarx @ Loftus Restaurant & Bar, and the Blue Bulls Shop combine to create one of the great matchday experiences in world rugby. Concert acts including UB40, Robbie Williams, and Celine Dion have performed at the stadium, plus the famous 1979 Gerrie Coetzee v John Tate heavyweight title boxing fight drew 80,000 spectators.

The Loftus Versfeld Stadium Tour is a 90-minute guided behind-the-scenes experience showcasing one of world rugby's most iconic venues. Adult tickets approximately R150, child R75, with family rates available. Tours run Monday to Friday, typically at 10am and 2pm, subject to availability — not available on matchdays, training days, or international fixture days. The tour takes visitors through areas normally reserved for players and officials, including the home Bulls dressing room, the famous players' tunnel, pitchside on the famous grass surface at 1,350m altitude, the Loftus Heritage Wall celebrating over 100 years of stadium history, the Springbok memorabilia collection, the 2010 FIFA World Cup commemoration displays, and the historic boardroom where the Blue Bulls Rugby Union has met since 1932. Visitors hear stories of legendary players including Naas Botha (Bulls all-time top scorer with 2,511 points), Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield, and Pierre Spies. Book via bullsrugby.co.za/stadium/ or by phone +27 12 420 0700. The tour can be adapted for wheelchair users with prior notification.

Loftus Versfeld features extensive heritage displays throughout the stadium celebrating over 100 years of South African rugby history at the venue. The Loftus Heritage Wall commemorates the stadium's evolution from the Eastern Sports Ground (1906) through to the modern 51,762-capacity venue. The Springbok memorabilia collection includes items from the famous 2009 second Test between South Africa and the British & Irish Lions — which the Springboks won 28-25 to clinch the series at Loftus. The 2010 FIFA World Cup commemoration displays celebrate the seven matches hosted at the stadium during the tournament. Additional displays celebrate legendary players including Naas Botha (Bulls all-time top scorer with 2,511 points), Bryan Habana (most tries — 37), Victor Matfield, Pierre Spies, and the dominant Bulls Super 14 winning teams of 2007, 2009, and 2010. The Blue Bulls Shop on-site stocks merchandise, jerseys, and historic items.