Rugby spectators who attended the match between the British and Irish Lions and the Southern Kings on Tuesday said they had been breathless when they saw the beauty of Nelson Mandela Bay‘s new stadium.

Many said the stadium built for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup was truly world class.

Louis Randall, of North End, said the stadium had been beyond his expectations. “It was my first time at the stadium on Tuesday and I must say I was impressed. It is really a world- class stadium and I will go again when Kaizer Chiefs clash with Orlando Pirates,” he said.

Luciano Hoffman, also of North End, said entering the stadium had been like a dream come true for him.

“I felt as though I was in one of the big stadiums overseas and had been chosen to be with the players,” he said.

Luciano‘s sister, Thermolicia, said she had enjoyed the game and the atmosphere at the stadium, but had not liked hearing about the robbery.

Angelique Francis, of Sydenham, said she still could not believe that there was a venue that could accommodate more than 40000 people in Mandela Bay. “Now we will have to get used to the long queues, but the stadium is beautiful and the toilets were clean,” she said.

Mzwandile Damane, of New Brighton, said the municipality should install cameras at the stadium before allowing people to go in. “The stadium is still not safe,” he said.

Wendy Singaphi, of Algoa Park, said the stadium would also enable music promoters to bring world- class shows to the city.

“People used to complain about Mandela Bay not having a big venue for musical events, but I think the stadium is the answer to everything. From now on we will have international artists performing in the city,” she said.

Richard Senekal, of Adcockvale, said the stadium was amazing. He encouraged everyone who had not been inside to go. “The only thing I‘m complaining about is the seats. They are too close to each other and there is no space to walk around,” he said.