As South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg is the place to go for anyone looking for major sporting events. Sports fans will have lots of sightseeing to do. There are stadiums, courts, indoor arenas, and many other activities that you can participate in or watch as a spectator.
The Most Popular Sports in Johannesburg
Like many cities around the world, Johannesburg is home to athletes of all sorts, but a few sports are the most popular. Here, football, rugby, and cricket are by far the most played and the most watched sports in the city.
Football, rugby, and cricket play a large role in the culture and city pride of Johannesburg. It is common to see people sporting their favourite jerseys or waving a team flag. Even in the sports betting industry, it is easy to find people who love to show their sports pride by putting their money on the line. Many of the most popular betting sites in South Africa are tailored to the Johannesburg crowd because they know how strong and passionate local sports fans are.
If those sports aren’t your cup of tea, Johannesburg also has a lot of fans who are into golf and cycling. Believe it or not, these are popular for sports betting as well, with fans having a bit of fun with their predictions for various tournaments and races.
Major Sports Stadiums in Johannesburg
The best spots to check out the sports scene in Johannesburg are its famous stadiums and outdoor arenas. There is at least one major sports stadium in the city dedicated to each of its three major sports: football, rugby, and cricket.
Johannesburg Stadium
The first place to mention is the famous Johannesburg Stadium. It has a curved, sweep roof and a seating capacity of over 37,000 people. It is primarily used for athletics and gymnastics, but many rugby and football matches take place there as well. It has also been the site of major music events. Some of the most famous musicians who have performed there include Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, and Tina Turner.
FNB Stadium
Next is the First National Bank Stadium, or the FNB Stadium for short. It is primarily a football arena but also houses many rugby matches. It has a seating capacity of nearly 95,000 and has been around since 1989. The FNB is considered something of a national icon to South Afrikaners in general; many major concerts have taken place here, as well as historical religious and political events.
Ellis Park Stadium
For fans of rugby, the best spot in the city is the Ellis Park Stadium. It opened in 1928, making the stadium 97 years old. With a seating capacity of over 60,000, it is also home to two major rugby teams: the Lions and the Golden Lions. Ellis Park Stadium is the single best place in the city to visit for fans of rugby, but also for fans of first-class cricket.
Wanderers Stadium
Speaking of cricket, the best stadium in the city for this sport is probably Wanderers Stadium. The seating capacity is 34,000, making it a regular venue for many major sporting events, such as the Indian Premier League and the Cricket World Cup.
Major Golf Courses in Johannesburg
As mentioned above, golf is very big in Johannesburg, making the city home to some very spectacular golf courses and golf clubs.
Perhaps the most famous one is the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club. Opened in 1890, it is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in all of South Africa. It has 36 holes and 7000 yards of high-quality green. Not only that, but the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club is an official part of the PGA tour. It has also hosted many other major golf tournaments, like the Joburg Open, which draws top players from around the world, and the South African PGA Tour Championship.
Another major golf spot in the city is the Royal Cape Golf Club. It’s famous for being not only the oldest golf club in the city, but in the entire continent of Africa. With 18 holes and at 6000 meters long, it frequently hosts professional sports leagues, such as the Cape Town Open and the Cape Town Ladies Open.
Other Places to Catch Sports in Johannesburg
As a city full of sports history and culture, it’s pretty easy to find places in the city of Johannesburg that will not only allow you to watch sports but that are probably already broadcasting an event.
Johannesburg has many sports bars that are always loaded with sports fans who want to do nothing but enjoy the weather, relax with some food or beer and watch a great football or rugby match to pass the time. Some of these places are quite famous with locals and regularly make the local news, such as the Benchwarmers Sports Bar.
But because the city is embedded with the culture of sports, you don’t even have to go to a dedicated dive bar or sports bar to catch a game. Many of the city’s eateries, diners, restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs, and even cafes frequently host a game on the big screen.
No matter where you decide to spend your time, finding a great spot to enjoy a game in Johannesburg will be a lot easier than you might anticipate.
