With 589 days until the 2010 Soccer World Cup, there is soccer fever wherever you look.

No one is immune to its power, especially here in South Africa. Preparations to accommodate an influx of international soccer fans for the June/July 2010 Soccer World Cup are steadily gaining momentum, as more tourists will be exploring our fair country and soaking in its rich diversity.

But what's in it for the local SA fans some of you may be wondering?

Soon you won't have to imagine witnessing the prowess of Ronaldo dribbling the ball at lightning speed or fellow Man United player (or English enemy when it comes to the world cup) Rooney sliding under his quick feet to take possession of the ball.

Attending a match of this caliber means you're certainly in for soccer heaven. The elation! The roar of the applause! Imagine hugging people you haven't met in your life all because you are brothers (and sisters) in soccer spirit.

Katching!

World Cup tickets go on sale from February 2009. That's worldwide. The tickets will be sold in several phases ranging in price from an estimated R136 for a category four ticket for a group stage match to about R6 143 for a category four ticket for final match.

But if you happen to luck out in the booking arena, there is hope. South Africa is planning to take direction from Germany and erect fan parks - which gives soccer fans who can't afford tickets for each and every match the chance to watch the game on the big screen for free, plus a whole lot more .

What are fan parks you may be asking?

According to FIFA spokesperson Delia Fischer, "Each of the host cities will have an official FIFA fan park or fan site. These will not be in the precinct of the stadiums but will be at popular sites in and around the cities. Johannesburg is the only city that will have two."

There are plans to have three different types of fan parks in and around South Africa.

• The first one is the Official or main FIFA fan park in each province.
• Second are the fan parks in smaller stadiums
• And the third are smaller community viewing sites where there is no access to a match-hosting stadium.

Where can you find the action?

"The fan sites are definitely more about the spirit and atmosphere of the Soccer World Cup tournament,where people can come together and enjoy themselves," Fischer said.

"Fans are really in for a treat as not only can they watch the match at these fans sites there will also be event programmes including music, activities and entertainment. Key FIFA sponsors will be involved in arranging and securing this entertainment," Fischer said.

These include Adidas, Coca- Cola, Sony, Emirates, Continental, MTN, McDonalds, Castrol and FNB.

"Selection of these fan sites is a consultative process that is driven by the city council of the host cities, responsible for drafting a short list of key venues.

"The final selection is then done in conjunction with FIFA and the LOC with various factors such as location, transportation, accessibility and security being taken into consideration.

"This process is only at the shortlist phase and the sites will be finalised in 2009," Fischer confirmed.

So you're all excited and you want to be part of the festivities. No problem. We've managed to get hold of a provisional shortlist for the following provinces.

Cape Town

The Grand Parade is pegged to be the home of the Official FIFA fan parks. This includes a Cape Town Fan mile stretching from Cape Town station through to Riebeeck Street and Somerset Road, all the way to Greenpoint Stadium!

Other smaller fan parks being considered by the city are the Bellville Velodrome, Phillipi Stadium, Athlone Stadium and smaller viewing sites in Atlantis, Khayelitsha and Maynardville.

Durban

In keeping with the celebration of Durban's exquisite beaches, the proposed venue for their fan park is on the Durban Beach Front. Barefooted beach bums watching their teams play ball - its soccer celebrations Durban-style.

Johannesburg

The city of gold will potentially have an Official FIFA fan site in Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown and Innes Free Park in Sandton, while Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown will be set aside as a smaller fan park.

Port Elizabeth

Calling all residents and visitors not able to watch the games live whilst in PE! The Nelson Mandela Bay Multi Purpose Stadium is being considered as an Official FIFA fan park. The school yard of one of the oldest primary schools in PE, Sydenham Primary, could also play host to an overflow of additional soccer fans.

Other host cities such as Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Polokwane and Rustenburg have allocated a considerable amount of their budget to fan parks and are still looking for potential sites to ensure a memorable experience for all.

All that's left now is for the venues to be finalized and you are well on your way to a soccer experience of a lifetime.

Got any suggestions of great venues? Tell us about them here.

With that said, there is no excuse for any South African not to put on their national colours and show our 2010 tourists exactly why we are a world in one country.

For more info on stadiums and the Fan parks visit SA2010.

 You don't have to wait for 2010 to check out the host cities with these affordable packages, which include flights, accommodation and car rental.