On top of your game

Countdown to the Beautiful Game

This summer, for the first time ever, the largest sporting event in the world, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, will be played on South African soil. Fans of “the beautiful game” have an opportunity to experience thrilling World Cup action in one of ten stunning venues throughout the country. In addition, it presents a unique opportunity to combine unlimited sightseeing activities from spectacular safaris to shark diving to touring South Africa’s ruggedly beautiful coastlines and bucolic wine regions, while staying at world-class hotels and enjoying authentic local cuisine.

Despite its powerful lure, even the most seasoned traveler may have hesitations about venturing to South Africa during the World Cup. SportsMark’s FIFA World Cup™ team has been spending the last 18 months preparing to manage programs for our corporate clients that will host thousands of VIP’s across the country. Therefore, we have learned a great deal not only from intelligence received here in the U.S., but on the ground from our Johannesburg office. Follow along as we address some potential concerns surrounding this glorious country…

• “I’m concerned about security”: As with any high profile global sporting event, security at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is the utmost priority. Security plans are developed years in advance for stadiums, public areas, and other tourist areas. Hotels also have strict security guidelines. Common sense and awareness are the key to avoiding problems.

• “It’s difficult to get there”: Numerous carriers offer convenient flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town. South African Airways offers daily non-stop flights to Johannesburg from JFK and Dulles, and Delta has non-stop flights departing from Atlanta. British Airways, United and Lufthansa offer connecting flights through major European hubs to South Africa.

• “Tickets, hotels and transportation are impossible to get”: As the exclusive agent for MATCH Hospitality in the US, SportsMark has access to the best tickets to every match, including the exciting Opening Weekend, packaged with accommodations and match day transportation. (Please contact us for more details.).

• “I’ve heard the stadiums won’t be ready”: Nine of the ten stadiums are completed and already in-use for test events and other football tournaments. Perhaps the most scenic and magnificent of all the stadiums will be Green Point in Cape Town and Soccer City in Johannesburg, which will hold the Semi Finals and Finals respectively.

With the World Cup buzz building in South Africa, we bring you the on the ground report from SportsMark’s own Dan Sevel, Operations Manager and local South African:

“Amidst all the construction, South Africans are increasingly feeling the excitement of the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup. South Africa is a very proud nation, and despite the rush for completion, we are excited and eagerly awaiting the world. Great anticipation surrounds every milestone in the run up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Each and every person attending this world-class event will leave touched with a bit of African magic - Ke Nako (It's time)!”

For more information, please call +1 877.671.7767 or email SoccerHospitality@SportsMark.com.

Everett