In which country is the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium located?

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a prominent sports venue situated in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, within the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area. This stadium is primarily used for football matches but is also equipped to host rugby union games. Its location is just two kilometers from the Indian Ocean coastline, offering a scenic backdrop for sporting events.

Interestingly, the stadium's name is derived from the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area, which encompasses Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, and Despatch. This area was named in honor of Nelson Mandela, the former South African president and global icon for peace and reconciliation, although the stadium itself was not directly named after him.

With a seating capacity of 48,459 and 45 luxury suites, the stadium is well-equipped to host large-scale events. It was officially opened on June 7, 2009, and was one of the venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant moment in South Africa's sporting history.

The stadium has also hosted various other notable events, including the British and Irish Lions rugby tour in 2009, the Eastern Cape Premier’s Cup, and the South African leg of the IRB Sevens World Series since the 2011-2012 season. Additionally, it was a venue for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.