Emirates Airline Park remain Springbok ally

Jun 26 • General News • 1636 Views • Comments Off on Emirates Airline Park remain Springbok ally

For the staff of Emirates Airline Park and the Golden Lions Rugby Union Saturday 24 June 2017 started out with a trip down memory lane as their CEO Rudolf Straeuli remembered the day 22 years ago when he was on the bus on the way to the stadium for the final of the 1995 World Cup.

Roger Whittaker’s’ I don’t believe in If was playing as the bus made its way through the streets of Doornfontein that day. The notes of that song drifted through the windows of the Lions’ Den on the second floor of King House at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday morning as Straeuli and his staff reflected on history and the task ahead, all clad in their warm red Jonsson jackets for the chilly winters’ day in Johannesburg.

Just like in 1995, 22 years ago to the day Joel Stransky drop kicked the country into stardom when they won the World Cup and Nelson Mandela wore a Bok No 6 jersey, Emirates Airline Park again played its role when the Springboks won the third Incoming Tour Test against France.

The former Ellis Park Stadium, now known as Emirates Airline Park, still remains a happy hunting ground for the Springboks. And the fans love coming to this magnificent stadium.

As we reflect on the weekend, we cannot help but remember all the big moments. The Safari plane that came over a full stadium ala the ’95 Boeing, the fireworks, the full stadium filled with Springbok clad supporters, waving flags, beer garden, food stalls and most of all the friendly staff which all culminated in the perfect day for Springbok rugby.

A total of 4182 parking tickets were used on the day, 2800 accreditations were issued (to SA Rugby, players, management, vendors, caterers, suites, hospitality, and media) while 133 busses dropped off supporters. All of 960 security staff was on duty, not to mention all the contingent of JMPD and SAPD members who were stationed at the various roads and intersections in the precinct around the stadium.

“As we reflect on test day, we are tired but also satisfied with a successful day where the Springboks once again triumphed in front of a capacity crowd. I am extremely proud of all the staff, permanent and temporary, that helped to make the day such a huge success. Everyone worked tirelessly and always with a smile. Thank you to all who played a role on the day and a special mention to SA Rugby for their input and help,” Straeuli said.

A combination of the local staff working closely with SA Rugby helped to ensure a win for the Springbok on one of their favorite fields.

Now it is back to the job at hand, Vodacom Super Rugby. On Saturday the Emirates Lions host the Sunwolves (17:15) while the Xerox Golden Lions will be in action in the Supersport Rugby Challenge against the Steval Pumas in a curtain raiser (14:00).