Collective efforts bring Springboks to the NMB Stadium

In October 2024, the Mandela Bay Development Agency(MBDA) announced that it was making strides and in discussions with various national rugby franchises and the national federation to bring national Springboks fixtures back to the Bay.

The much-anticipated test match between the Springboks and Italy will be hosted at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 12 July. 

In October, MBDA said: “We are confident that soon we will witness the Boks back at the Bay stadium, a venue they have never lost in”.

After months of lobbying and engaging, getting the local Eastern Province Rugby Union back at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as a key partner and tenant, these efforts have now paid off, but the biggest gainers are the residents and tourism in the Bay. This result would not have been possible without the support of the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, and the National Minister of Sport, Gayton Mckenzie, who backed the efforts of the entity and the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

A Springbok Test Match is a big revenue generator for all industries, from airlines to bed and breakfasts. The city will be abuzz with welcoming the Boks to a venue where they have had 100% success.

The MBDA stadium team continues pushing the boundaries and fighting for the Bay. It ensured that a big-ticket match, Chippa United vs Orlando Pirates, is retained in the Bay. That game happens this coming Wednesday, and MBDA anticipates a midweek attendance crowd of upwards of 20,000 spectators.

MBDA expects another announcement for a major cup semi-final match at the Bay stadium in the coming hours.