Kings Park Stadium
Durban, South Africa
ground photo
Also or formerly known as ABSA Stadium
Established 1891
Capacity 52,000
Floodlights Yes
Home team(s) Sharks
Time 04:43, Tue Mar 19, 2024 (UTC +0200)
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With its 52,000-capacity and steep stands, ABSA Stadium in Durban is one of the most imposing stadiums in South African rugby.

Traditionally known as Kings Park, the stadium was renamed for sponsorship purposes when financial services group ABSA bought the naming rights. Whatever the name the stadium has hosted some memorable moments in South African rugby, not least the Springboks' rain-drenched World Cup semi-final win over France in 1995.

However, it was the British and Irish Lions who took the spoils in 1997 when Jeremy Guscott's late drop-goal won the Test series. This was the second time ABSA Stadium had hosted an international between the Lions and South Africa, the first time being in 1962 and the ground has been chosen to host the first Test in 2009.

There has been a stadium on the site since 1891 and there was a major rebuild in 1990. Super 14 franchise The Sharks play their home games at ABSA Stadium, as does Natal's Currie Cup side and the Golden Arrows Premier League football team.

But despite undergoing a refurbishment that will take capacity up to 60,000, ABSA Stadium will not see football action in the 2010 World Cup. This will take place instead at the adjacent Moses Mabhida Stadium currently under construction next door. However, with a combined capacity of 135,000 ABSA Stadium will be part of one of the most impressive sports complexes in the world.

Latest Photos
May 31, 2014
Damian de Allende offloads
Damian de Allende offloads
© Getty Images
Mar 23, 2013
The Sharks Francois Steyn is tackled by the Rebels' Lachlan Mitchell
The Sharks Francois Steyn is tackled by the Rebels' Lachlan Mitchell
© Getty Images
Mar 23, 2013
The Sharks' Ryan Kankowski runs against the Rebels
The Sharks' Ryan Kankowski runs against the Rebels
© Getty Images
Mar 16, 2013
The Brumbies' Scott Sio offloads to Ben Alexander
The Brumbies' Scott Sio offloads to Ben Alexander
© Getty Images
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