Bloemfontein 2010 WC Fan Guide

As the birthplace of both the ANC and JRR Tolkein, Bloemfontein is a city rich in culture, history, education and beauty. Its Sesotho name, Manguang, means "place of cheetahs", reflective of the natural offering of the game reserves in the area. It also boasts one of the top schools in the country, Grey Bloem. The Loch Logan Waterfront is scattered with shops and restaurants, it has a great selection of museums, notable golf courses and wonderful gardens (particularly for roses). The Sand du Plessis Theatre also feature strongly on this Free State capital's menu of things to see and do.

Visit this proud city and its inhabitants for a look into life in central South Africa.

Protea Hotel Bloemfontein
Situated on Nelson Mandela Drive, in the heart of Bloemfontein's Business District, the modern Protea Hotel Bloemfontein is set in secure landscaped gardens.

Mantovani Guest House
Up-market Guest House close to all major city attractions and Schools. Numerous good restaurants and Casino within two kms.Phakisa Raceway is 8 Km away.

• Day tripping: The Loch Logan is the largest shopping centre in Bloemfontein and boats 80 000 sqm of over 100 shops, 17 restaurants and 10 fast food outlets, as well as movie theatres and salons.

• Night owls: try the legendary Die Mystic Boer, an institution in South African pub culture. It opened in 1997 and quickly grew into a venue which attracted top local and some international music acts - and only quality ones. No bubblegum pop is allowed. Pizzas are also available from 7pm along with a great selection of booze throughout the day.

• Eat at: The Raj. Our friends over at Food24 reckon this is one of Bloemfontein's top restaurants, with an excellent spread of Indian food and other exotic dishes. Check out the reviews!

• Top attractions: Explore Naval Hill which dominates the Bloemfontein skyline and provides panoramic views of the city. It is located within the Franklin Game Reserve which is one of few reserves to be located in the middle of a city.

Stadium: Bloemfontein's World Cup stadium, The Free State Stadium is located on the corner of At Horak Avenue and 1st Avenue. A second tier has been added to the main grandstand on the western side in preparation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Capacity now sits at 48 000.

For the fans: The Fan Park is located at the Manguang Outdoor Sports Centre in the township of Rocklands.

Fixtures in Bloemfontein:

• 14 June - Japan vs Cameroon (Group E)
• 17 June - Greece vs Nigeria (Group B)
• 20 June - Slovakia vs Paraguay (Group F)
• 22 June - France vs South Africa (Group A)
• 25 June - Switzerland vs Honduras (Group H)
• 27 June - second round match - (1st in Group D vs 2nd in Group C)