Port Elizabeth - Free tickets to the Nelson Mandela Stadium Open Day on Sunday have been snapped up in record time, says the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality on Monday.
The municipality announced last month that residents living in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Eastern Cape will soon get an opportunity to visit their local stadium earmarked for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, ahead of the event.
The 25 000 tickets became available from all Computicket outlets on Thursday at midday and by Saturday at 2pm all 25 000 were taken by residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape.
"This is great news, as the interest shown by our residents is much greater than anticipated. Of course our only hope is that every ticket taken will indeed be used on Sunday, so that we get 25 000 at the stadium," said the municipal spokesperson Kupido Baron.
Mr Baron appealed to people who have tickets but cannot make it to the Open Day to pass tickets on to a family members, colleague or friends so that the ticket does not go to waste.
Other activities expected to take place at the stadium is the match between British and Irish Lions versus Southern Kings on 16 June.
The much-anticipated Vodacom challenge match between the South African soccer giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is scheduled to take place on 23 July.
The move to allow people to get to know the stadium was welcomed by thrilled soccer fanatics who could not contain their excitement when the municipality announced it last month.
There would be a fun filled programmme which includes an extreme air show, a parade and a mini soccer match.
National artists like Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) and Nadine are also expected to entertain thousands expected to grace the occasion.
