The City is calling on rugby fans to use public transport as far as possible to alleviate congestion at the Barbar game on Saturday.
An estimated 40 000 rugby enthusiasts are expected to flock into the Cape Town Stadium tomorrow for the Springboks’ first match of the season against the Barbarians, despite the expected treacherous weather conditions.
Earlier today, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for disruptive rainfall for the rest of the day until midnight tomorrow. More localised flooding can be expected around Cape Town.
However, this is not expected to dampen the spirits of the rugby fanatics. Tomorrow’s game will mark the start of the Springboks’ five-month international season, which will also include the Castle Lager Incoming Series, the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and the end-of-year tour of Europe. It will be the British-based invitational club’s first-ever tour of the country.
Meanwhile, local authorities are urging spectators to be vigilant and arrive early to avoid congestion in and around the Cape Town Central Business District.
Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management in the City of Cape Town, says the municipality will continue to look out for and address any weather-related challenges.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith says stadium gates are expected to open at noon. “We are anticipating more than 40 000 spectators for this game, which will affect traffic on match day. To reduce congestion and help fans get to the stadium on time, we’ve worked closely with the event organiser to provide alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles. We strongly encourage all spectators to make use of the park-and-ride system, which is a convenient and reliable way to avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey to the venue. The shuttle, with its dedicated lane to the stadium, will ensure that you beat the traffic and get to the stadium smoothly,” he says.
A Free MyCiTi shuttle service will ferry ticket holders from Century City, Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Thibault Square and Civic Centre stations. Free parking spots will be available around Cape Town.
For more information on this and other major events in Cape Town, visit: www.eventsincapetown.com
