How Much Does It Really Cost to Book a Stadium in Gauteng?

Booking a stadium in Gauteng for a large-scale event isn’t as simple—or affordable—as many think. With major venues like FNB Stadium, Loftus Versfeld, and Orlando Stadium commanding premium fees, the full picture involves far more than just the base hire cost. From security and staffing to equipment and insurance, here’s what it really takes to host an event at one of the country’s iconic stadiums.

FNB Stadium (Soccer City), Johannesburg

As the largest stadium in Africa, FNB Stadium (also known as Soccer City) offers a capacity of nearly 95,000. That kind of scale comes at a hefty price. Although official rate cards aren’t public, insiders report that renting the stadium for a concert alone can cost upwards of R1.6 million just for the venue.

Factor in pitch protection (around R480,000), security (roughly R800,000–R900,000), and production costs (lighting, sound, staging)—often R5–6 million—and the total event cost quickly exceeds R8 million. Major promoters often rely on big sponsorships just to break even.

Gauteng News Image — Image: City of Johannesburg

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld, with a capacity of just over 50,000, offers a more flexible pricing structure. Smaller function rooms like the Board Hall go for R15,000 on off-peak days, while the Presidential Suite costs R20,000 when the stadium isn’t hosting a match.

Hiring the full field or stands for large concerts or sporting events requires a custom quote, with proposals reviewed by management. This makes Loftus an attractive option for events that don’t require the scale of FNB.

Orlando Stadium: High-End Facilities, Custom Quotes

Situated in Soweto, Orlando Stadium accommodates just over 37,000 people and features modern suites and auditoriums. Like FNB, it’s managed by Stadium Management SA (SMSA), and doesn’t provide fixed rates for major bookings.

Hiring the full stadium is a case-by-case process, with personal or private bookings subject to strict approval. Corporate clients, however, can negotiate packages that bundle catering, logistics, and venue use.

Hidden Costs That Add Up Quickly

Booking the venue is just one part of the equation. Major events often require:

Security and safety teams (R800,000+)
Pitch or floor protection (±R480,000)
Sound, lighting, and staging (R5–6 million)
Insurance and liability cover
On-site staffing and cleaning

For full-scale productions, these costs can double or even triple the initial venue fee. Event organisers are advised to plan for a total budget well into the multi-million-rand range for high-capacity shows.

Corporate vs. Private: Who Gets the Better Deal?

Corporate bookings typically enjoy the upper hand with bundled deals, priority scheduling, and long-term agreements. In contrast, private or personal bookings—like weddings or parties—are often not accommodated unless they meet minimum commercial requirements. In fact, SMSA’s official documents state that private use is subject to approval.

Non-profit or community events may be offered discounts, but these are rarely standard and must be formally applied for.

Smart Ways to Cut Costs

Not every event has a corporate-sized budget, but there are ways to save:

Book during off-peak times (rates drop when no major match or fixture is scheduled)
Use smaller suites or auditoriums instead of full stadium fields
Bundle in-house services like catering and sound to reduce third-party fees
Consider municipal venues for medium-sized events, where hire fees start in the low thousands

More Than Just a Venue

Stadium hire in Gauteng is a complex process that goes far beyond a simple booking fee. Whether you’re planning a concert, product launch, or sports event, understanding the layered costs and negotiating with experienced venue managers is crucial. With proper planning—and a sizeable budget—these world-class venues can host truly unforgettable events.