Cape Town is gearing up for one of its busiest sporting weekends of the year, with international rugby, a major Women’s Day road race and Currie Cup action all set to draw tens of thousands of fans across the city, Cape {town} Etc reports.
From Friday through Sunday, iconic venues including DHL Stadium, Athlone Stadium and the Grand Parade will be buzzing with activity, while motorists are being urged to plan as several roads will be temporarily closed.
Stormers welcome the All Blacks to Cape Town
The long weekend gets underway on Friday, 7 August, when the DHL Stormers host the All Blacks at DHL Stadium as part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour.
The international friendly offers South African fans a rare chance to watch New Zealand’s famous national side in provincial action before they return later this month to face the Springboks in a highly anticipated Test at the same venue.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:10pm, with approximately 45 000 spectators expected to pack the stadium.
To help supporters get to the venue, stadium gates will open from 3pm, giving fans plenty of time to soak up the pre-match atmosphere.
Free transport available for ticket holders
Supporters travelling by public transport will be able to make use of free MyCiTi event shuttle services, available exclusively to valid match ticket holders.
The shuttle buses will operate between Civic Centre, Thibault Square and Stadium stations, with the first buses departing Civic Centre at 3pm.
Following the match, return services will continue until 10:30pm, helping fans avoid post-match traffic.
For those choosing to drive, City parking areas will open from 2:30pm on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking can be accessed via Hertzog Boulevard incoming and Civic Avenue.
Additional paid parking will also be available at:
- Parkalot on Jack Craig Street
- Harbour Arch on Harbour Arch Boulevard
- Women’s Day race paints the city pink
The sporting celebrations continue on Sunday, 9 August, when around 10 000 participants are expected to take part in the popular Totalsports Women’s Race.
Starting outside Cape Town City Hall, runners will complete either a 10km or 5km route through parts of the CBD, District Six and Gardens before finishing on the Grand Parade.
The event has become one of Cape Town’s signature Women’s Day celebrations, with thousands of runners traditionally turning the city streets into a sea of pink.
The race schedule is:
- 10km: 8am
- 5km: 8:30am
Expect road closures across the CBD
Motorists planning to travel through central Cape Town on Sunday morning should prepare for temporary road closures between 4am and 1pm.
Affected roads include:
- Darling Street
- Castle Street
- Hanover Street
- Corporation Street
- Sir Lowry Road
- Buitenkant Street
- Wale Street
- Plein Street
- Long Street
- Orange Street
Residents are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider alternative routes while the race is underway.
Currie Cup action rounds off the weekend
Rugby fans won’t have to wait long for another live fixture.
On Sunday afternoon, the DHL Stormers XXIII wrap up their home Carling Currie Cup campaign when they take on the Toyota Cheetahs at Athlone Stadium.
Gates will open at 1:30pm, ahead of the 3pm kick-off.
Spectators attending the match will have access to parking in P3, P4 and P5 via Hickory Road.
With world-class rugby, one of the country’s biggest Women’s Day running events and another Currie Cup fixture all taking place within three days, Cape Town is set for a memorable sporting weekend.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands at DHL Stadium, joining thousands on the streets for the Women’s Race or heading to Athlone Stadium on Sunday afternoon, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to plan their travel early and expect a lively atmosphere across the city.
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Picture: Grant Pitcher / Gallo Images
