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The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of the most popular attractions of Cape Town. With scarcely 4 weeks before the start of the 2010 World Cup, the CEO of the V&A Waterfront, Mr. David Green, said in a press release that the Waterfront was prepared in al respects for the expected influx of visitors for the FIFA 2010 World Cup 2010 tournament to be held from June till July, with about 100,000 visitors per day expected at the Waterfront. With so many visitors expected, Green said that security and infrastructure measures have been improved in the build up to the World Cup. "On match days there will be a 50% increase in security and non-match days there will be a 25% security increase above what we currently have. 60 Waterfront ambassadors have been recruited to be available for tourists throughout the 300 acre campus. "We will be open as usual from 9am to 9pm, although food and beverage outlets can trade till 2am and in some cases we have increased the hours to 4am," he explained.
Green said there were two safe, yet scenic, routes which visitors can use to walk to the Waterfront; accessed at the Clock Tower and at the West Quay past Cape Grace and Bascule Bridge. However, in line with FIFA regulations, certain access routes around the stadium will be closed on match days and fans and visitors to the stadium and the V&A Waterfront are strongly encouraged to make use of public transport and Park-and-Ride options.
Spectator Zones: To enhance the World Cup experience for the anticipated 350,000 visitors to Cape Town during the football tournament, the V&A Waterfront has organised four prime-site Spectator Zones:
· Quay 4, diagonally opposite the Amphitheatre, will seat 400 spectators and will be open from 10am till 1am. Entrance is free and TV screens will be in place to view matches.
· The MTN Spectator Zone at Clock Tower Square offers free admission and also has a capacity of 400; it opens at 11am; all the games will be aired on flat screen TV's
· The Hyundai Spectator Zone will be situated opposite the Caltex Service Station and has a capacity of 2,000 with a cost of R100 per person. The game will be viewed on 1 large screen.
· The V&A Waterfront Lookout Point is situated above the Breakwater Parking Garage also with a capacity of 2000 with a cost of R150 pp. This venue will feature two activities specifically for the USA and UK supporters, entitled "Eagle's Nest" and "Lion's Den."
Wheel of Excellence: Another exciting attraction arriving at the end of May will be the Wheel of Excellence, a Waterfront exclusive for the World Cup. This will be fully illuminated giant observation wheel 50 metres in height, and featuring 36 fully enclosed luxury cabins that will treat visitors to a unique sightseeing opportunity; with spectacular views of the City as well as Table Mountain and Robben Island. It will be situated at the Canal site, opposite the Caltex Garage. The wheel will be fully operational from June 8 and will remain at the V&A Waterfront for an extended period after the World Cup matches. Ticket price to the Wheel of Excellence is R70 per person.
Safety and security: The Waterfront's CEO provided details of improvements in safety and security, cleaning, lighting, access routes and parking facilities, following comparative risk assessments based on valuable lessons learnt at the World Cup in Germany. "We have increased our security presence by 50% on match days and 25% on non-match days, to ensure we are covered to handle any unexpected eventualities. This includes employing additional full-time security personnel during the World Cup. All additional security personnel have worked with the area during the test match period, so are familiar with the site and proceedings. In addition, we have reviewed and updated the positioning of our 1000-plus CCTV cameras in all common areas" he said.
The new Information Centre (alongside Ferryman's Tavern on Dock Road) has been upgraded at a cost of R5,5 million, and aims to be the first stop to welcome local and international visitors to the V&A Waterfront. In addition to general tourist information, services include reservations for accommodation in Cape Town and tour bookings in and around the V&A Waterfront and surrounds.
Visitors should be exited at these developments aimed at enhancing their enjoyment of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, and offering an opportunity to mix with the local people.
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