PLANS are in place for the development of a 2010 fan zone along the beachfront in Durban, stretching southwards from Blue Lagoon. Julie-May Ellingson, who heads Durban’s strategic projects unit and the city’s preparations for 2010, told TNN that the total area incorporated into the fan zone was still to be determined, based on the best interests of the city.
“The plan is for each of the host cities to have a designated fan zone, and Durban’s will be referred to as the ‘fan fest’,” says Ellingson. She recently returned from a World Cup observer mission in Germany and was particularly impressed with the fan zones set up around the country. “In Berlin there were eight double-sized screens stretching across a 2 ½km radius,” says Ellingson. In Durban, she visualises the creation of a big public area where people can get a true experience of the city. “There will be screens, as well as concessions selling food and various other items,” says Ellingson.
There are also plans in place for underground parking areas, with the capacity to hold several hundred cars. Ellingson says there will be parking underneath the stadium, as well as south of the stadium, just off Argyle Road, and a good chance of further parking just north of the stadium. “The idea is to establish huge parking reservoirs for public transport to feed off, taking people to the stadiums and into the city – a park and ride situation,” says Ellingson.

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