Market Friday - A Fun-Filled Evening at the Rugby.
Today is #MarketFriday, a project initiated by @dswigle, and this post is my contribution to this project for this week.
To learn more about this project and participate, visit today's post by @dswigle.
We are huge fans of the SHARKS and we love going to live rugby matches at the stadium. Their home, known as the "SHARK TANK", is located at the KINGS PARK stadium in Durban, South Africa.
We haven't been to a game in quite some time and last Friday when we heard them advertising tickets for R50.00 per ticket, we decided to go to the match on Friday evening.
At the time of writing this post, the exchange rate was R18.10 to $1.00.
That means it would cost us $5.52 for the two of us.
We bought two tickets and off we went to the stadium on Friday evening. Kick-off was scheduled for 7 pm.
We never park at the stadium. The traffic is normally chaotic on arrival and even worse when you want to leave.
Over time, we have learned that we can park the car in the parking area at the Suncoast Casino. It is safe and secure and the best part...it is free.
It also provides us with the opportunity for a nice walk as the Suncoast Casino is located at Suncoast Beach, next to Battery Beach on the Marine Parade. It's a walk of about 2 KM (a 20- to 25-minute walk) one way.
We arrived in the parking area at about 6:15 pm. and started our walk to the stadium.
We don't like walking through the casino area and normally take the shortcut which takes us through the area where all the restaurants are. It leads directly to the promenade, just above the beach.
Once on the promenade, we still had to pass a few of the restaurants in this area, with the restaurants on the left and the ocean on the right behind the greenery.
Although it was getting dark quickly, there was still a bit of color to be detected in the sky.
As we walked along, it was a nice and relaxed atmosphere.
As we left this area and got out into the open, it became very quiet, and to my surprise, my wife and were all alone, only with some security personnel being visible every now and then.
About halfway to the stadium, we had to take a turn to the left and pass through a subway on the final stretch to the stadium.
We then crossed a main road before getting to the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Moses Mabhida Stadium is very impressive and was built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup that was hosted in South Africa.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium and Kings Park Stadium are next to one another.
Right between the two stadiums, just before we got to the entrance of the rugby stadium, we passed the Cuba Lounge.
I think the Cuba Lounge might be something like a nightclub or something...I have no idea in all honesty. But while there were people sitting at some tables in an open space outside, having something to eat and drink, there was this really loud music coming from inside. Way too loud for a normal restaurant.
As you can see in the photo above, by now it was completely dark.
I did take a photo of Kings Park Stadium from here as well, but I didn't get the focus right (maybe due to the darkness) and I only saw it when I checked the photos afterward.
So, I am not going to share my "out-of-focus" photo today, but that means I will go back sometime and take some proper photos of the stadium.
We entered Kings Park Stadium and walked up the ramp to level 3 where we were to be seated.
Just before going inside and onto the pavilion, I turned around and saw this view of the Moses Mabhida Stadium from where I stood.
If you look at the photo above, you'll see the gate where we entered in the foreground. Across the road from the gate is an entrance to undercover parking at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. It is also available for parking during rugby matches at the Kings Park Stadium. We have parked there once before and it's very nice and convenient, but as mentioned before, when you come out, the traffic is a nightmare...lol.
I was still amazed about how quiet it was this time around...and then it struck me. It's a long weekend and it's the April holiday season. Most people are away on holiday...duh!
Tonight's game was also our "B" team playing in our local Curry-Cup series. It was the SHARKS (us) versus the PUMAS from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga Province.
Our "A" team would be playing a French team in the international URC series in France on Saturday.
We were seated close to the halfway line and we had a nice view of the field.
Behind the posts to our right, you can see the entertainment area for the kids while the parents are watching the game. Although there was no activity there tonight.
Then the press photographer also got ready to take some shots as the players were about to come onto the field.
The visitors came onto the field first...and then Sharky made his appearance before the Sharks came running out...lol!
He made some fancy "dance" moves while our team came running onto the field...
He then neatly placed the ball in the center of the field, ready for the Sharks to start the game.
After getting some nice cheers from the crowds in the stands, he then left the field.
And then the game started...
The opposition took the first line-out...
...but shortly after that we got awarded a penalty and we successfully scored our first three points.
Moments later, our guys went head first, getting over the try line and scoring a try.
During the second half, Sharky paid us a visit and provided some entertainment to the people in the stands too...lol!
He even posed for photos with some of the spectators...
The game developed into a tough match, but the Sharks managed to pull it through and won the game by 7 points, with a final score of 19-12!
Yes, I love the Sharks!
So, after the match, we decided to visit the Shark Tank Shop.
It's no secret where we are...
Some interesting merchandise inside the shop...
A nice T-shirt we might get for each of our two granddaughters...
...and our grandson...
And there's always time for some nice humor...hahaha, going for R129.00 ($7.12)
Another nice shirt @ R309.00 ($17.07).
Besides the clothing, there were many other nice items on display. Such as this cooler bag...
...and this backpack.
Then it was time to get back to the car. Remember, we still had a 20 to 25-minute walk to get back to the car.
We left Kings Park, went past Moses Mabhida, and approached the subway again. Normally, there would be a whole group of people walking this route, as many people leave their cars at the Suncoast Casino parking area.
But tonight, we were all alone.
After making sure that it was safe, we passed through toward the promenade where we would take a right turn toward the parking area.
Just after passing through the subway, looking to the right, our end destination becomes visible...the lights of the restaurants in the area where we would pass through to get to the car.
But first, we would have to follow this walkway turning to the right, and then go onto the promenade for the final stretch of our walk.
About halfway down the promenade, I saw a vehicle approaching from the front. As it came closer, I saw it was a police vehicle slowly cruising by, patrolling the area. They greeted us politely and went their way while we continued our walk.
Coming toward the end of our walk. We were about to enter the area where all the restaurants are. As we would exit on the other side, we would be walking straight into the secure parking area where our car was parked.
We arrived at the car and returned home safely after a fun-filled evening at the rugby.
Thank you for reading my post!
I do appreciate it!
Beautiful nigh atmosphere the place looks beautiful and comfortable. Thank you.
You're welcome! Thank you for stopping by!
It looks like a great night out! Rugby match where your team won, a nice walk before and after the match, and fantastic night photography!!
I have picked this post on behalf of the @OurPick project which will be highlighted in the next post!
It was a great night out, indeed! And with our team winning the game...well yes, that made it even better!
Thank you for your kind words, @ph1102! I do appreciate it!
Yay! 🤗
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Wow! "Fear the fin" -- what a slogan! :) This is so cool. Watching a live game at the stadium is something I haven't done in a long time, not that I'm a sports fan. LOL! Lovely stadium too. It's good you have a nice and secure parking place within walking distance from the stadium. It would indeed be too crowded when it's going home time, so it's best to park farther away. The walk after the game looks refreshing. It's good to know there's police patrol so everyone feels safe somehow. Thank you for sharing your fun experience with us. Enjoy the weekend!
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Yes! It's a great slogan, isn't it? It was such a fun night watching a live game at the stadium! We love doing it. I wouldn't say it's a weekly, or even monthly thing, but we love doing it when we do have the time and when the opportunity is there!
And walking before and after the game is part of the fun for us. Besides avoiding the traffic it's healthy too...emotionally because you don't get frustrated with the traffic, and physically for getting the physical exercise...lol!
I'm glad you enjoyed our visit to the stadium, @iamraincrystal! Thnks for stopping by and for giving your feedback! I do appreciate it!
I so appreciate how much you love the game and watching your team! I'm glad that you had so much fun! 😁 🙏 💚 ✨ 🤙
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Oh, we had lots of fun indeed! Thanks for stopping by and for reading my post, @tydynrain🙏😉👍!
That's really great to hear! You're always very welcome @jacoalberts, certainly! 😁 🙏 💚 ✨ 🤙
🙏😉👍
😁 🙏 💚 ✨ 🤙
Wondeful! Absolutely @jacoalberts, it's always my pleasure! 😁 🙏 💚 ✨ 🤙
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I appreciate your enjoyment and enthusiasm for your team and the game. I've never been to a sporting event in a stadium, so it's interesting to tag along for your visit. Thanks for sharing @jacoalberts! 😁 🙏 💚 ✨ 🤙
Thank you for tagging along, @tydynrain! I'm glad you enjoyed it😉👍!
Most certainly, you're so welcome @jacoalberts! I always appreciate your adventures! 😁 🙏 💚 ✨ 🤙
Glad to hear that, @tydynrain 😉🙏!
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Awesome! It's so encouraging to receive all these replies...and then to receive these badges even adds to the excitement!
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I haven't been to a game in forever!! Thank you for taking us, it was a pleasant stroll up to the stadium, and such a nice night. Before going into the Pavillion, you took a great shot of the stadium. What an amazing structure!
You got really nice seats for the game, I think you scored well. I love the mascot, Sharky! What a job! All that fun, and money too! I love how they cater to the kids and have a fun place for them to be while the parents watch the game. I know people leave their kids all the time, but, I probably wouldn't leave mine. I am weird that way.
It was a well-played game and you left with a winning team. I like the T-shirts they had and what a great price! All the Athletic shirts and paraphernalia are $35 - $60 for the t-shirts, although more like the last shirt.
I have to ask! If the walk is 20 minutes away, why can't you park at the stadium and sit in your car for 20 minutes and let the stadium clear out?
#MarketFriday began as a way to reach out across the globe and learn about different cultures through their markets, especially local markets and farmers' markets, and eventually branched out and evolved over time from straight shopping to a cultural affair as it highlights how we differ and then again, how much we are alike. We have become a melting pot of culture, but it is still the Rituals, Festivals, food, architecture, and even your language/languages that separate us... Along with the fact that these things are normal for us. There are unwritten rules that rule our social behaviors. I see this as allowing for increased tolerance between cultures and nations, and opportunities to come together on an even playing ground. A strong culture can be beneficial to a country as it promotes unity, especially during a crisis, peaceful debate, and open dialogue. I have learned so much about all of you and it has been an amazing experience. I can only hope that learning about each other can help us work together for a peaceful world. Thank you for being a part of #MarketFriday
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My wife has also never been to a game...until a few years ago. She never even watched rugby with me on television. She just wasn't interested...lol.
Then my daughters and I took her to a live game as a surprise one night. She enjoyed it so much that she is just as big a fan as I am now! She is now the one who sometimes reminds me of upcoming games...lol!
I'm glad you liked the shot I took of the stadium before we went into the pavilion.
Yes! Sharky is always a real treat and always full of fun!
It sounds like we are the same in that respect. I would also never leave my kids there...well, now our grandkids. And I know, both our daughters and their husbands would also never do that! So, if that is weird...well, then we are both weird...lol!
Yes, we really enjoyed the game and after the game, we saw some really nice items in their shop. And the prices are not too bad either.
Good question!
Normally, we enjoy the walk in the fresh air and the sea breeze while walking before and after the game.
But in all honesty, if I had known that it was going to be so quiet, I would have parked at the stadium. On this particular evening, it actually would have been safer, because we were all alone walking to and from the stadium this time.
Going to the stadium wasn't all that bad. But I started getting uncomfortable when we had to pass through the subway, and as we took the turn, suddenly we were all alone. But I scanned the area carefully and we were safe to continue. I then thought there would be more people around us when we return.
Walking to the stadium and even arriving at the stadium, I thought it was still early and the crowds would still be arriving... But it didn't work out that way.
Returning to the car after the game was definitely riskier. But I had no way of knowing that beforehand. Normally, the stadium is quite full, and seeing that many people park in the same area where we did, there are normally big groups of people walking together which makes it safer...especially when it's a night game. During the day it wouldn't really make a big difference.
And lastly...we have heard lately of syndicates operating and targeting stadiums where they vandalize the vehicles in the parking areas while the game is on. They remove items such as headlights and whatever they can remove to sell on the black market.
But yes, if I had known beforehand that there were only going to be a handful of people, I would have definitely parked at the stadium. I believe with fewer cars being parked there, it was easier for the security guards to keep the vehicles safe, and (2) in my opinion our own safety would be more important than that of the car. But I was extra observant and careful on our way back...and I might mention that I was armed as well.
Does all of that make sense?
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Ohh I am envious I havent been to a rugby game for years, I have seen games at the Shark Tank on tv so cool to see you visit there
I found a streaming service that shows Rugby here been busy watching this years rugby Sevens tournaments
Thanks for joining the Wednesday Walk, its my pleasure to host it and see all the posts each week from all around the world, including yours, if you have time visit some of the other walks this week there are so many interesting ones
Hahaha...maybe it's time for you to go to a game again! So, seeing that you have seen games at the Shark Tank on tv, I suppose you recognized some areas...?
Now that you mention the Sevens tournament...our national Sevens team has been doing well for a long time with Neil Powell as their head coach. But from the beginning of the season, he joined the Sharks and he is now the director of rugby here at the Sharks.
Enjoy your rugby and thanks for stopping by to read my rugby post👍!
I must do some research see if there any games somewhere near here
I am only up to watching the Sydney Sevens but the Springboks arent doing so well this year, I guess the New coach is stil fine tuning his team perhaps
As you say, the Springboks are definitely not doing so well this year. I agree with you, I think the team and the new coach still need to fine-tune a bit. Neil Powell is an excellent coach and he had great results while coaching them.
I hope you can find games near you soon👍! It's really fun going to the stadium to watch the game live!
OHh yeah nothing like the atmosphere at a live game but tillthen I am happy watching all the rugby sevens games
Enjoy😉👍!