Football fans who missed out on tickets for the 2026 MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns can still experience the match-day atmosphere in Durban. The city and the Premier Soccer League have set up a free Public Viewing Area at the Bay of Plenty on the Durban Beachfront. This area will provide a secure and vibrant spot for supporters to watch the match.
The Public Viewing Area will feature live artist performances, pre-match build-up, half-time and post-match entertainment. The area will be open from 12pm to 12am, extending beyond the 90 minutes of the match. According to Dr Zakhi Mkhize, Acting Director of Commercial Sport and Facilities at eThekwini Municipality, the area will provide a safe and secure space for fans to watch the final.
Dr Mkhize emphasized that safety will be a top priority at the Public Viewing Area. The event has been fully risk-categorised under the Safety at Sports and Recreation Events Act, 2010. Attendees can expect controlled access points, designated event marshals, clearly demarcated zones, and a strong presence of security personnel and emergency services.
The venue is well serviced and situated close to restaurants, food outlets, retail facilities, and the beachfront’s recreational amenities. This allows fans to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that Durban has to offer while watching the final. Although Dr Mkhize did not explicitly ban fans from bringing their own refreshments on the day, she highlighted the accessibility of nearby food outlets.
The Durban CBD and stadium precinct will be a hive of activity on Saturday, with the 6pm MTN8 final kick-off at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This comes on the back of Day 2 of the first Test between the Proteas and Australia at Kingsmead, which runs from 9 to 13 October. The Sharks will offer a bit of logistical relief in Durban as they travel to Cape Town to face the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship derby.
Dr Mkhize said the official artist line-up for the Public Viewing Area will be announced soon, and encouraged supporters to stay tuned for further updates. The city is expecting a large turnout of fans who missed out on tickets for the match. The Public Viewing Area will provide an alternative for fans to experience the match-day atmosphere.
The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns is set to be a highly anticipated event, with both teams vying for the top prize. The match will kick off at 6pm on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Fans who missed out on tickets can still experience the excitement of the match at the free Public Viewing Area.
Key points
- The Public Viewing Area at the Bay of Plenty on the Durban Beachfront will provide a free and secure space for fans to watch the MTN8 final.
- The area will feature live artist performances, pre-match build-up, half-time and post-match entertainment.
- Safety will be a top priority at the Public Viewing Area, with controlled access points and a strong presence of security personnel and emergency services.
