Cape Town’s DHL Stadium has achieved global recognition, winning a Gold Award at the prestigious International Project Management Association (IPMA) Global Awards for its cutting-edge pitch replacement project. This accolade, presented at an awards ceremony hosted at the stadium, highlights the exceptional planning, execution, and sustainability of the project, reinforcing the stadium’s status as a world-class venue.
The award-winning project involved upgrading the natural grass pitch to a state-of-the-art hybrid grass system that integrates synthetic fibers with natural grass. This innovation aligns DHL Stadium with international venues such as Twickenham and Stade de France, offering enhanced durability capable of handling six times more traffic than conventional fields. With a 15-year lifespan, the hybrid pitch enables back-to-back events, from major sports matches to high-profile concerts, with minimal recovery downtime.
A Model of Excellence and Sustainability
The project, completed within 12 months, was delivered on time and within budget despite challenges such as material shipment delays. The team implemented agile management strategies, meticulously tracking milestones and ensuring the timeline stayed intact. Sustainability was prioritized, with 1,750 cubic meters of materials reused and an optimized irrigation system installed, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
Since its completion, the upgraded pitch has hosted over 200 events, attracting more than 500,000 spectators and delivering significant economic benefits to Cape Town. Local businesses, including vendors, hotels, and service providers, have experienced a boost from the increased footfall.
Leadership Commendations
Gina Woodburn, CEO of DHL Stadium, expressed her pride: “The new hybrid pitch meets international standards, enhances event capabilities, and drives economic growth. This award is a testament to our commitment to excellence.”
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis applauded the project’s success, stating: “This was an important and perfectly executed project. DHL Stadium continues to be one of the busiest and most preferred venues for major events in South Africa.”
The awards ceremony, which included a 2.5-day conference with over 600 delegates from 40 countries, utilized 6,000 square meters of the stadium’s space, showcasing its versatility for mid-week conferences and corporate events.
As Cape Town’s cultural and sporting cornerstone, DHL Stadium remains dedicated to delivering world-class experiences, reinforcing its role as a hub for diverse events and a driver of economic and community growth.