As South Africans prepare for the start of the inaugural Nations Championship this weekend, Ellis Park has secured a new naming rights partner.
The iconic stadium in the heart of Johannesburg will now be known as 10bet Ellis Park, where the Springboks will open their campaign in the new competition against England. Kick-off is at 5.40pm.
The betting brand is already a partner of Bafana Bafana, who made headlines at the FIFA World Cup by becoming the first South African team to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.
The partnership is also expected to spark new initiatives that support the surrounding precinct and community.
Ellis Park Faces Attendance Challenges Amid Safety Concerns
Such investment is sorely needed, as safety concerns in the surrounding Doornfontein area have contributed to poor attendances for Lions matches at the venue.
Even ahead of this weekend’s Test, ticket prices were reduced drastically after thousands of seats remained unsold. According to reports, fewer than 25,000 tickets had been sold by the end of last week. IOL reported on Thursday afternoon that the figure had risen to around 40,000.
However, with a stadium capacity of 62,000, that still leaves around 22,000 seats available for what would ordinarily be expected to be a sell-out fixture.
“Ellis Park has always been one of the most iconic stadiums in world rugby, and it’s fantastic to see 10bet committing to such a significant partnership. I have had some incredible memories of playing at Ellis Park, especially having made my international Test debut at that venue. Running out in front of a packed crowd, feeling the energy from the stands and representing the Lions in such a historic venue are moments I’ll never forget,” said former Springbok flyhalf and current 10bet brand ambassador Butch James.
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
