Turnstiles for the FIFA World Cup
Making Turnstile History
Over 3 million ticketed spectators passed through Turnstar turnstiles during the FIFA World Cup 2010.
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In 2010 South Africa welcomed the world and Turnstar offered them access. Turnstar, the largest manufacturer of physical access control products in Africa, added to its impressive portfolio with its work on FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 stadiums. The company which offers an exceptional five year guarantee on its turnstiles has a team of expert engineers who spent over 20 years developing some of the world’s most reliable and durable turnstiles. As the sole turnstile supplier for the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup and for 2008 African Cup of Nations, Turnstar was the natural choice when it came to providing secure access to the biggest sporting event in the world, the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010.
Turnstar was the preferred turnstile supplier for a majority of SA’s world class stadiums during the historic tournament. They manufactured and supplied over 960 turnstiles for over 22 stadiums. The stadiums included premier venues Soccer City and Greenpoint stadium as well as 15 fan parks and training stadiums. This represents the single largest turnstile project ever completed in Africa.
Secure Access
Turnstiles had to cater to both the security concerns of the stadium as well as its overall aesthetics. Full height turnstiles offer a high level of security whereas waist height and half height turnstiles are more comfortable for spectators but less effective when it comes to security and crowd control. This adds to the responsibilities of stadium ticket attendants. Turnstar therefore catered to the unique specifications of each stadium, based on preferences of management and also on the particular stadium’s future requirements as parts of the legacy left behind by the beautiful game.
Thus collaborating closely with each stadium in order to find a heavy duty turnstile solution which offered mass access was essential. Ultimately, for a number of the stadiums, Turnstar modified its standard full height turnstile in order to provide the spectator with extra walkthrough space and for ease of use with a ticketing system.
Environmentally Friendly
Unique environmental conditions in each region also had to be considered. Different finishes were therefore used to suit the climate of the stadium in question. 316 marine grade stainless steel was used for coastal installations, such as the Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town. 304 grade stainless steel was used for inland installations. Powder coated and hot dip galvanised steel were also used for inland installations to provide greater durability.
The Stadiums
Soccer City Stadium, Soweto
The centre of the action during the Fifa World Cup was undoubtedly the Soccer City Stadium in Soweto, the location of the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies and matches. The Soccer City Stadium has a seating capacity of over 92 000 which makes it one of the largest football arenas in the world. 736 000 fans passed through the over 170 turnstiles Turnstar installed at this stadium.
156 TRIUMPH 4 full height turnstiles manufactured from hot dip galvanised mild steel were placed at stadium entrances. Comfort for spectators was of prime concern so turnstiles were set for 180° rotation for ease of use. Turnstiles were also fitted with LED indicator lights to indicate when they are available for use. 21 TRIDENT waist height turnstiles manufactured from 304 grade brushed stainless steel were tailor-made for the VIP areas.
In addition to the turnstiles, over 350 304 grade stainless steel boxes were manufactured for the ticket reader system and the ticket system controllers.
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Nestled between Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront, lies the Greenpoint Stadium, yet another landmark signifying the glory of the Mother City. The state of the art stadium was designed to minimise environmental impact and reduce noise pollution. Turnstar provides the entry point to this spectacular arena.
512 800 fans passed through Turnstar’s 88 TRIDENT waist height turnstiles manufactured from 316 marine grade brushed stainless steel. These were the same turnstiles Turnstar successfully installed at nine stadiums throughout South Africa during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003.
Loftus Versveld Stadium, Pretoria and Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Two of Gauteng’s most established stadiums, Loftus Versveld and Ellis Park were upgraded and showcased during the Fifa World Cup. 257 400 fans passed through Loftus and 389 900 fans attended matches at Ellis Park.
At both stadiums spectators gained entry through Turnstar TRIUMPH 4 full height turnstiles coated with a UV Resistant epoxy powder coat. All these turnstiles were set for 180° rotation for comfortable access and fitted with LED indicator lights to indicate when they are available for use. TRIDENT waist height turnstiles manufactured from 304 grade brushed stainless steel were fitted for the VIP areas at both stadiums.
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
Close to another jewel in South Africa’s crown, Sun City, is the Royal Bafokeng Stadium entrenched in the legacy of Bafokeng people. 389 900 fans passed attended World Cup matches here.
56 TITAN 4 half height turnstiles manufactured from a UV Resistant epoxy powder coat frame with 304 grade brushed stainless steel rotor were engineered expressly for this stadium. Turnstar also considered the fact that the stadium entrance offered no barrier from the street and designed the turnstiles accordingly. The turnstiles are therefore supported by large concrete columns which also act as a visual barrier for spectators. They thereby provide increased security by creating an effective division between the secure area inside the stadium and the street surrounding its outer ring.
Bloemfontein Stadium, Free State
300 000 fans passed through Turnstar turnstiles at the Bloemfontein Stadium. The site of Bafana’s historic victory over France, Bloemfontein Stadium was at the centre of the action. Turnstar installed 64 TRIDENT waist height turnstiles manufactured from 304 grade brushed stainless steel. The company showcased their efficiency by completing the entire installation in only three days.
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
With a unique design inspired by the Baobab Tree, the Peter Mokaba Stadium saw 168 000 fans pass through 74 TRIUMPH 3 full height turnstiles designed by Turnstar. Mild steel which was later epoxy powder coated was used in the manufacturing of these turnstiles. Placing the needs of spectators first, Turnstar supplied three-arm turnstiles which provide additional walkthrough space.
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
The gateway to the Kruger National Park, the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit was supplied with 75 TRIUMPH 4 full height turnstiles designed with hot dip galvanised steel. Hot dipped galvanised steel was also used to build 10 full height security gates which were used in order to provide wheelchair access. The gates were each fitted with a magnetic lock and door closer. 164 000 enthusiastic spectators frequented this stadium during the tournament.
Training Stadiums and Fan Parks
The magic of the Fifa World Cup spilled over into fan parks across the country. Thousands of soccer fans and players passed through turnstiles at fan parks and training stadiums. Turnstar supplied turnstiles to 15 of these training stadiums and fan parks throughout South Africa. A total of 222 turnstiles were installed at these venues which had a total capacity of 212 500 seats collectively.
Final words
With over 85 employees all dedicated to providing clients with durable quality turnstiles, Turnstar is the clear choice when it comes to turnstile design and installation. The company’s 3500m² factory in Wynberg, Johannesburg allows them to reach peak levels of production. In fact, over 30% of Turnstar production is exported worldwide to Africa, UK, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Considering its broad reach, it’s no wonder that Turnstar is the company of choice when it comes to hosting the world’s largest sporting events.