DURBAN — The Moses Mabhida Stadium has generated over R4 million through its skycar and bungee jumping facility in the past few months, the city said yesterday.

“This proves that our stadium will never be a white elephant. The over R4 million does not include money generated by businesses at the stadium,” said city manager, Mike Sutcliffe.

The stadium, which was completed months before the World Cup, has become one of South Africa’s tourist attractions, he said.

He said more than 80 000 people had made the trip to the top of the 106 m arch in the skycar to experience the stunning views of Durban and the Indian Ocean.

“More than 25 000 people have taken stadium tours to discover what goes on behind the scenes at a stadium and almost 3 000 have taken the 550 steps to the top of the arch,” he said.

With just 34 days to go before the start of the Fifa 2010 World Cup, the Moses Mabhida Stadium has arranged some extra fun, prizes, promotions and extended hours for the last three weeks.

The stadium’s spokesperson Lara McLeod said: “Due to the start of the Fifa exclusive use period our shops and attractions will have to close from May 24 to July 12 2010.

“Make sure you get to the stadium to try our newest attractions — the skycar, skywalk, big swing and stadium tours.”

“As an extra incentive, there will be lots of giveaways, special offers and promotions until May 24,” added McLeod. For more information, call 031 332 3250.