GQEBERHA – Rugby fans took to social media to voice their frustration following the Springboks’ friendly match against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 20 June, with many pointing to high ticket prices as a key factor behind the lower-than-expected attendance. The turnout also renewed discussion about the stadium, which has previously been labelled a “white elephant”.
Photos and footage from the match sparked discussion online, with several supporters arguing that the cost of attending major sporting events has become unaffordable for many families.
Facebook user Sharon Oosthuizen said lower ticket prices could have encouraged more people to attend.
“If the price were cheaper, more people could afford to fill the stands and the stadium would make more money,” she commented.
Debbie Woolard shared similar sentiments, saying the cost of attending sporting events is difficult to justify given current economic pressures.
“True, costly when you have a family to consider in today’s times,” she wrote.
Jean Fisher said attending live matches has become increasingly expensive once additional costs are taken into account.
“Ticket prices these days for any big cricket or rugby matches are unaffordable, especially if you want to take the whole family.
“And then there’s the snacks, fuel and safe parking. It’s better and cheaper to stay at home, have a braai with friends and bring your own refreshments, or go to the nearest pub,” Fisher said.
Responding to questions from PE Express regarding attendance and ticket pricing, SA Rugby said it was pleased with the event despite the turnout not meeting some expectations.
“SA Rugby greatly enjoyed its experience in Gqeberha once again and the atmosphere and the response of the crowd was tremendous.
“The attendance may not have been what everyone would have wished, but recent global events have challenged everyone’s budgets and it will have no impact on the scheduling of matches in the Bay in the future,” the organisation said.
Questions around attendance have also reignited debate about the long-term use of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, which has often faced criticism from some residents who describe it as a “white elephant”.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson Simthembiso Soyaya rejected this view, saying the successful hosting of the match highlighted the value of the facility.
“The successful hosting of the Springboks versus Barbarians match demonstrates the stadium’s ability to attract world-class events that generate significant economic activity, tourism spend and destination exposure for Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Soyaya.
“Rather than reinforcing perceptions of underutilisation, events of this nature underscore the value of investing in infrastructure capable of hosting major national and international events.”
He added that the municipality continues to work with rights holders, event organisers, sporting federations and tourism partners to attract a diverse calendar of sporting, entertainment, cultural and business events to the city.
“Our objective is to position Nelson Mandela Bay as a preferred host destination while ensuring that major events contribute to local economic growth, tourism development and community participation,” he said.
According to Soyaya, the municipality’s long-term strategy for the stadium centres on maximising its use through a diversified events programme that includes major sporting fixtures, concerts, exhibitions, conferences, community events and other large-scale gatherings.
“This approach is aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the facility while leveraging its contribution to economic development, tourism growth and job creation within Nelson Mandela Bay,” he said.
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