Sharks belong at Kings Park

With last week’s announcement that the Sharks are in talks with the City of Durban over a move to the iconic Moses Mabhida football stadium, the obvious question is what happens to Kings Park?

Officially opened in 1958 and able to seat 12 000 people, the ‘Shark Tank’ has had two major renovations since its original construction. Ahead of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the stadium’s capacity was increased to 52 000 – as it remains today.

Although it has seen better days, the stadium is still in good condition and when packed to the brim has an amazing atmosphere.

The proposed move and partnership with the city will no doubt come with a golden handshake and the Sharks seem to be seriously considering playing at Moses Mabhida in 2017. While it is unclear whether the move will be all encompassing or only affect the Super Rugby team, the logistics of the move will be difficult.

Sorting out season-ticket holders should not be a massive undertaking, but the Sharks will have a tough task appeasing their suiteholders and sponsors.

The Sharks make a fair amount of revenue from their permanent residents, who rent out suites at the stadium. Moses Mabhida Stadium doesn’t have the same number of suites on offer, so the Union cannot simply just offer their current suiteholders a new box at the neighbouring stadium.

Sponsors and advertisers also have permanent branding inside the stadium and new agreements would have to be made to accommodate them in the new stadium.

The Sharks are currently in talks with all of these parties and the outcome will be interesting to see.

It's no secret that Kings Park has struggled to fill seats for a number of years now. It is not clear whether this is linked with the condition of the stadium or apathy towards domestic rugby. There is no doubt that the Springboks-All Blacks clash later this year will be completely sold out, but Super Rugby and Currie Cup games have had poor turnouts.

But leaving the stadium for its shiny, marvellous neighbour won’t have the same appeal as Kings Park. The new stadium, as grand as it is, is built for football and athletics. The sheer space between the pitch and the seating is massive. Fans are far away from the action which gives a less immersive experience. Moving to Moses Mabhida won't attract more people to watch games.

In comparison, the stands of Kings Park tower over the pitch at a menacing angle. Fans who are scared of heights might not enjoy the steep incline at the top of the stadium but even at those lofty heights you feel close to the action. 

The players will also miss the aura of running out of the change rooms and onto Kings Park. Legends of the game have run down the same tunnel, while Moses Mabhida lacks that history. Kings Park, packed to the brim, has an intimate atmosphere that won't be matched by the oval-shaped seating in Moses Mabhida.

All that being said, Moses Mabhida is a marvel. Aesthetically, it ranks as one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. Inside, the seating is comfortable, getting in and out of the stadium is smooth and the amenities are orderly and contemporary. All in all, it is the younger, better looking cousin of Kings Park.

Watching the Sharks play in the new stadium would be enjoyable and on a short-term or occasional basis, would shake things up a bit. Perhaps the agreement will see Currie Cup, age-group and club rugby take centre stage in Kings Park, while Super Rugby matches are played out at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

With a 50-year-lease expiring in 2056, the Sharks look set to remain at the stadium. It would be difficult to get out of the lease. At the very best, the Sharks will get away with playing some games in Moses Mabhida in 2017. 

Whatever the outcome, Kings Park will always remain the home of rugby in Durban and KwaZulu Natal and the Sharks would be leaving behind a legacy if they abandoned their hallowed ground.

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