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Making turnstile history

Over 3 million ticketed spectators passed through Turnstar turnstiles during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In 2010, South Africa welcomed the world and Turnstar opened the door. As the sole turnstile supplier for the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup and for 2008 CAF Ghana African Cup of Nations, Turnstar was the natural choice when it came to providing secure access to the single biggest sporting event in the world, the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup.

Turnstar was the preferred turnstile supplier for the majority of South Africa’s stadiums during the historic tournament, with over 960 turnstiles manufactured and supplied for over 23 stadiums. The stadiums included premier venues Soccer City and Green Point stadium as well as 15 fan parks and training stadiums. This represents the single largest turnstile project ever completed in Africa.

Turnstiles had to cater for both the security concerns of the stadium as well as its overall aesthetics. Full height turnstiles offer a high level of security whereas waist height and half height turnstiles are more comfortable for spectators, but less effective when it comes to security and crowd control. This adds to the responsibilities of stadium ticket attendants. Turnstar therefore catered to the unique specifications of each stadium, based on preferences of management and on the particular stadium’s future requirements.

Thus collaborating closely with each stadium in order to find a heavy-duty turnstile solution that offered mass access was essential. For a number of the stadiums, Turnstar modified its standard full height turnstile in order to provide the spectator with extra walkthrough space and for ease of use with a ticketing system.

Environmental conditions endemic to each region also had to be considered. Different finishes were therefore used to suit the climate of the stadium in question. 316 marine grade stainless steel was used for coastal installations, such as the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, and 304 grade stainless steel was used for inland installations, such as the Bloemfontein stadium in the Free State. Powder coated and hot dip galvanised steel were also used for inland installations to provide greater durability.

The stadiums

Soccer City Stadium, Soweto

736 000 fans passed through the 177 turnstiles at Soccer City Stadium. This included 156 Triumph 4 full height turnstiles manufactured from hot dip galvanised mild steel, which were placed at stadium entrances. Comfort for spectators was of prime concern so the turnstiles were set for 180° rotation for ease of use. Turnstiles were also fitted with LED indicator lights to indicate when they are available for use. In addition, 15 Trident waist height turnstiles and six special-needs gates, manufactured from 304 grade brushed stainless steel, were tailor-made for the VIP areas.

In addition to the turnstiles, over 350 grade stainless steel boxes were manufactured for the ticket reader system and the ticket system controllers.

Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

At the Green Point Stadium, 512 800 fans passed through Turnstar’s 88 Trident waist height turnstiles manufactured from 316 marine grade brushed stainless steel.

Loftus Versveld Stadium, Pretoria and Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

Two of Gauteng’s most established stadiums, Loftus Versveld and Ellis Park were upgraded and showcased during the FIFA World Cup. 257 400 fans passed through Loftus and 389 900 fans attended matches at Ellis Park.

At both stadiums spectators gained entry through Turnstar Triumph 4 full height turnstiles coated with a UV-resistant epoxy powder coat. All these turnstiles were set for 180° rotation for comfortable access and fitted with LED indicator lights to indicate when they are available for use. Trident waist height turnstiles manufactured from 304 grade brushed stainless steel were fitted for the VIP areas at both stadiums. A total of 204 turnstiles were installed at these two stadiums.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg

389 900 fans attended World Cup matches at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium near Sun City. 56 Titan 4 half height turnstiles, manufactured from UV-resistant epoxy powder coat frames with 304 grade brushed stainless steel rotor, were engineered expressly for this stadium. Turnstar also considered the fact that the stadium entrance offered no barrier from the street and designed the turnstiles accordingly. The turnstiles are therefore supported by large concrete columns which also act as a visual barrier for spectators. They thereby provide increased security by creating an effective division between the secure area inside the stadium and the street surrounding its outer ring.

Bloemfontein Stadium, Free State

300 000 fans passed through Turnstar turnstiles at the Bloemfontein Stadium. The 64 Trident waist height turnstiles were manufactured from 304 grade brushed stainless steel. The company showcased their efficiency by completing the entire installation in only three days.

Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

The Peter Mokaba Stadium saw 168 000 fans pass through 74 Triumph 3 full-height turnstiles. Mild steel, which was later epoxy powder coated, was used in the manufacturing of these turnstiles. Placing the needs of spectators first, Turnstar supplied three-arm turnstiles which provide additional walkthrough space.

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit was supplied with 75 Triumph 4 full height turnstiles designed with hot dip galvanised mild steel. Hot dipped galvanised steel was also used to build 10 full height security gates which were used in order to provide wheelchair access. The gates were each fitted with a magnetic lock and door closer and were connected to the ticket reader system. 164 000 enthusiastic spectators frequented this stadium during the tournament.

Training stadiums and fan parks

Thousands of football fans and players also passed through turnstiles at fan parks and training stadiums. Turnstar supplied turnstiles to 15 of these training stadiums and fan parks throughout South Africa. A total of 222 turnstiles were installed at these venues which had a total capacity of 212 500 seats collectively.

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