By Charmaine Ndlela
Orlando Stadium in Soweto has been renamed the Orlando Amstel Arena after Orlando Pirates announced a five-year naming-rights partnership with beer brand Amstel, part of the Heineken group.
The rebrand was unveiled at the venue on Tuesday, in a deal involving Orlando Pirates, Amstel/Heineken in South Africa, and stadium operators Stadium Management South Africa, which manages the City of Johannesburg-owned facility.
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Orlando Pirates chief administrator Mcebo Dlamini said the club wanted to protect the ground’s identity while building on what already exists.
“We have a responsibility to maintain the heritage and history. Our job is not to destroy, but to grow what has already been there,” said Dlamini.
Orlando Stadium, which opened in 1959, is widely regarded as one of South African football’s most historic venues. It has served as Orlando Pirates’ home ground for decades, including for many high-profile Soweto Derby matches.
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The club and its partners said the stadium has also been refreshed internally as part of the new partnership, with updated branding and improvements aimed at enhancing the match-day experience.
Pirates are set to play their first match under the new name when they host Magesi FC on Saturday, 31 January, with kickoff scheduled for 6pm.
INSIDE METROS
By Charmaine Ndlela
Orlando Stadium in Soweto has been renamed the Orlando Amstel Arena after Orlando Pirates announced a five-year naming-rights partnership with beer brand Amstel, part of the Heineken group.
The rebrand was unveiled at the venue on Tuesday, in a deal involving Orlando Pirates, Amstel/Heineken in South Africa, and stadium operators Stadium Management South Africa, which manages the City of Johannesburg-owned facility.
ALSO READ: Ramaphosa authorises SIU probe into uMzinyathi District Municipality
Orlando Pirates chief administrator Mcebo Dlamini said the club wanted to protect the ground’s identity while building on what already exists.
“We have a responsibility to maintain the heritage and history. Our job is not to destroy, but to grow what has already been there,” said Dlamini.
Orlando Stadium, which opened in 1959, is widely regarded as one of South African football’s most historic venues. It has served as Orlando Pirates’ home ground for decades, including for many high-profile Soweto Derby matches.
ALSO READ: Nkabinde inquiry delayed again as Batohi still seeking legal advice
The club and its partners said the stadium has also been refreshed internally as part of the new partnership, with updated branding and improvements aimed at enhancing the match-day experience.
Pirates are set to play their first match under the new name when they host Magesi FC on Saturday, 31 January, with kickoff scheduled for 6pm.
INSIDE METROS