Five years fly by, particularly when you are "batting on a good wicket", but for the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium it's been the perfect pitch that has kept it buoyant since its doors opened in 2009. Five years on and the stadium - one of the most sustainable in South Africa -has entrenched itself both in the city's landscape and in people's hearts. "You might ask how we have done this," said Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium's Chantal Du Pisani. "Our firm belief is that we have facilitated the … [Read more...] about 5 years, 5 memories
stadium
Watersport events under NMB Stadium floodlights
Message to Poland - whatever you can do, we can do better! On 27 March MyPE featured a unique sailing event that took place in Poland's National Stadium - an international floodlit windsurfing competition under cover and within the confines of the stadium. (See: A world first event for Port Elizabeth). In the article I speculated; "Wouldn't it be great, though, if we could do the same as the National Stadium in Poland and turn the sport of sailing into a paid for by spectator sport and hold … [Read more...] about Watersport events under NMB Stadium floodlights
A world first event for Port Elizabeth
Before we get to the nitty gritty of the world first event for Port Elizabeth, may I just state for the record that my son Philip was ahead of his time. During Philip's Optimist dinghy sailing days we would travel out to Redhouse on a very regular basis and pass the Transnet Warehouse which is a fairly huge undercover structure between Smelly Creek and John Tallant Road close to the sea. Philip would always say that one day he would establish an undercover sailing school and regatta area in … [Read more...] about A world first event for Port Elizabeth
Premier Division throw a lifeline to Stadium
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium's events line-up was significantly boosted by SA Rugby Union recent announcement that the Eastern Province Kings would be included in an expanded version of the Premier Division of the Absa Currie Cup competition this season. ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division inclusion is not only a huge boost for Eastern Province Rugby but also for the stadium, Chantal Du Pisani, Stadium chief executive said today. "The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is positioning itself as more … [Read more...] about Premier Division throw a lifeline to Stadium
Stadium Economic Impact Study Just Spin
Hi Alan Your article, "R217.8-million sevens economic impact" on 19.02.2014 and my e-mail below to you on 23.10.2013 refers. Your article is similar to one which appeared in Die Burger earlier this week. I wasn't able to work out who authored the article you published. A friend of mine wrote the following piece to Die Burger: "Yesterday's article, "Sewesrugby was bonus vir die Baai" paints a rosy picture, but for who? No mention is made by the compilor of the article about how much … [Read more...] about Stadium Economic Impact Study Just Spin
Heat warming Sevens initiative
Over the recent HSBC Sevens weekend more than 58 000 people descended on the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to experience international rugby at its fast-paced best, but for 80 children from Ithembelihle Comprehensive School in New Brighton, the magic lay in what is their first-ever experience of rugby from within the new stadium. Caltex Eastern Cape Marketer (CECM), in a move that showcased its commitment to uplifting the Eastern Cape's social and economic, offered the children – many of them … [Read more...] about Heat warming Sevens initiative
Stephan Dippenaar out of Springbok Sevens team
Stephan Dippenaar was ruled out of next weekend's Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens tournament in Port Elizabeth with a hamstring injury and his replacement will be named on Tuesday, the Springbok Sevens have confirmed. Dippenaar was one of three South African players injured in Dubai while taking part in Round 2 of the HSBC Sevens World Series. South Africa lost only one match during the two-day event, on Saturday in the final against Fiji. Dippenaar and Jamba Ulengo (foot injury) were … [Read more...] about Stephan Dippenaar out of Springbok Sevens team
A victory (of sorts) for the little man
With reference to my little moan and groan about a disturbance of the peace by our neighbours - the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - on 24 October 2013, I am happy to report that the wheels within our municipality DO move quicker than any of you peasants thought..... The Longhair received today the following feedback from the NMB Municipal Air Pollution/Noise Control division within the Public Health Directorate: Following an investigation into the event of 24 October 2013 it was found that no … [Read more...] about A victory (of sorts) for the little man
If you promise to do something then DO IT!
As a follow up to our latest noise pollution saga at the NMB Stadium I dug out of my archives the following change to Standard Operating Procedure as promised to myself and Stadium neighbours in an e-mail dated 31 October 2012: We have met as stadium management and concluded the following in order to ensure you do not have a similar experience to this past weekend in future. Times of events: We will be mindful of start and finishing times of public events being held at the stadium and will … [Read more...] about If you promise to do something then DO IT!
Friday Rant – Farging Stadium Noise
On Thursday evening we observed the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium setting up a huge tent in front of the western facing area away from the sea called the 'World of Windows'. Immediately the Longhair went into panic mode and began fretting about the oncoming noise onslaught and, despite my attempts to calm her down, she was right. Apparently the stadium had been commandeered by around 850 persons attending the (hopefully) final night of festivities by municipal engineers from across the … [Read more...] about Friday Rant – Farging Stadium Noise
Access Management bid farewell to Buli G
Access Management today announced that they will be bidding a fond farewell to their General Manager: Corporate Affairs, Ms Buli Ngomane, on 5 July 2013. Access MD Rian Oberholzer said; "Buli has been an integral part of the growth and development of Access and indeed the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for three-and-a-half years. We will certainly miss her. "We wish her well as she undertakes her new endeavour and trust that she will find whatever tasks await her as exciting and fulfilling as … [Read more...] about Access Management bid farewell to Buli G
Dear NMB Stadium Turn Your Frigging Music Down
Put yourself in my position: I love our new stadium I believe wholeheartedly that the stadium will be a success I excuse the stadium most of their transgressions I promote the stadium at every opportunity I get AND, what do I get as a thank you? Farging noise and empty promises. A couple of weeks back the noise levels from the stadium were quite high and I spent a sleepless night - I didn't publish a word about my sad experience as I was ASSURED by stadium management that they … [Read more...] about Dear NMB Stadium Turn Your Frigging Music Down
The Wind Will Have Subsided for Your Walk Around the Lake
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium precinct will once again be alive with activity on Thursday evening as over 100 business teams take part in the second round of the Investec Night Relay. The Windguru is predicting a balmy 9 knot Northerly wind from 5:00 pm for Thursday. No cloud cover and a toasty 18 degrees will make your journey pleasant. The event, hosted by the Mandela Bay Development Agency, starts at 6pm from Lakeside and will see walking and running teams tackling the 4.2km laps around … [Read more...] about The Wind Will Have Subsided for Your Walk Around the Lake
Take a Bow Port Elizabeth
The third test between South Africa and England played to a 14-14 draw at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on 23 June 2012. A lacklustre performance by the Springboks saw England dominate most phases of play in a valiant attempt to leave the shores of South Africa with at least one win against the Springboks. The test series ended with the Springboks winning 2-0. At the press conference after the game Springbok Coach, Heyneke Meyer remarked that the only good thing about … [Read more...] about Take a Bow Port Elizabeth
Bay Stars Football Club Launch
Eastern Cape Member of the Executive Committee for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Xoliswa Tom will officiate at the Monday 26 September launch of the Bay Stars Football Club at the award-winning Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Tom will deliver the keynote address to other dignitaries such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile, members of the soccer fraternity in the region and other important stakeholders. … [Read more...] about Bay Stars Football Club Launch
