The Timeline of Loftus Versfeld
For over a hundred years sports have been practised on the grounds where Loftus Versfeld Stadium is now located. Here is a list of important dates and historic occasions that took Loftus from a humble sports ground to a world class stadium.
1906: Area first used as sports field.
1914: Fields got initiated as Eastern Sportsgrounds.
1923: First concrete structure – accommodating 2000 spectators.
1928: Changing rooms and toilets were added.
1932: Mr Loftus Versfeld died. Stadium renamed to Loftus Versfeld.
1938: Northern Transvaal Rugby Union was initiated.
1946: First Currie Cup victory at Loftus for Northern Transvaal
1948: On-going improvements on the stadium.
1972: Upper Eastern Pavilion added.
1974: Lower Southern Pavilion construction.
1977: Main Pavilion construction.
1984: Northern Pavilion under construction.
1989: Southern Pavilion renovated (just as it is today).
1994: Nelson Mandela present at England vs South Africa Test Match
1995: Eastern Pavilion renovated (just as it is today).
1995: One of the official Rugby World Cup stadiums.
1997: Northern Transvaal Rugby Union name changed to Blue Bulls Rugby Union.
1998: Minolta became official sponsor – Stadium renamed: Minolta Loftus.
2003: Securicor became official sponsor – Stadium renamed: Securicor Loftus.
2005: Vodacom became official sponsor – Stadium renamed back to Loftus Versfeld.
2008: Major improvements done for 2010 FIFA World Cup
2009: Loftus Versfeld hosted the Super Rugby Final – Bulls won the Match against Chiefs (New Zealand).
2010: One of venues for the official FIFA World Cup stadiums.
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Loftus Versfeld – more than just a rugby field
Match days at Loftus Versfeld Stadium