Loftus the home of the Bulls
Vodacom confirmed 'Loftus Versfeld Stadium' as the new name and home to the Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls at an official launch of its sponsorship of the stadium in Pretoria this week.
Vodacom has entrenched its ownership of rugby through the sponsorship of the stadium until 2010 and will reinstate Loftus Versfeld Stadium to the supporters of the Vodacom Bulls and Blue Bulls rugby teams who have remained passionate and loyal to the game and teams since the inception of Loftus Versfeld Stadium in 1938.
The stadium has been a well-known landmark for many years and built its reputation on the heroic performances of legendary players and the passionate support of the Bulls' faithful.
The near future will see the development of the Vodacom Rugby Village, a permanent structure at the stadium containing retail shops and a hospitality area that will be used before and after matches played on match day. Construction of the Vodacom Rugby Village is due to begin at the end of this year and is projected to be completed within six months.
Vodacom also unveiled the main signboard, at the Kirkness Street entrance to the stadium, incorporating the faces of rugby legends. The faces of true blue supporters will also soon be enveloped on sign boards in the stadium.
Mthobi Tyamzashe, Executive Director Corporate Affairs, Vodacom says: "Vodacom, as 'The Greatest Supporter of South African Supporters' is elated to be able to give back the Loftus Versfeld Stadium to the supporters of the Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Blue Bulls today, at the launch of a new chapter in the life story of the stadium."
Dolf van Huyssteen, President, Blue Bulls Rugby Union, says: "We are thrilled with this new sponsorship for many reasons, but mainly with Vodacom's initiative to reinstate the name to Loftus Versfeld. It is the symbol of a proud history, but together with our partner Vodacom, we embrace the future and look forward to creating many new memories in this stadium, with our teams and loyal supporters."
Douglas Brake, Managing Director of G4S Security Services, says: "Our change of name to G4S Security Services after the recent merger of Group 4 Falck and Securicor coincided with the end of our sponsorship of the stadium.
"However, G4S Security Services has entered into a new three year agreement for the sponsorship of the main grandstand. Our relationship with the Blue Bulls Company and Loftus Versfeld remains strong and we support the move to restore the stadium to Loftus Versfeld."
