on several occasions, most recently in 1984, when the Northern Pavilion received an upgrade. Tournament matches 1995 Rugby World Cup Loftus hosted some matches during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Loftus Versfeld was one of the venues for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. It hosted the Group B matches: USA vs. Italy, USA vs. Brazil and Brazil vs. Italy. 2010 FIFA World Cup Minimal upgrading was undertaken in order for Loftus Versfeld to qualify as a venue for first and second round matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The floodlights, sound system, scoreboards and stadium roof were improved, as roads and parking facilities around it. While expected to be finished in August 2008, renovation was completed in January 2009. Concerts The stadium has hosted many musical events including concerts by UB40 and Robbie Williams' Close Encounters Tour on 17 April 2006 with an attendance of over 60,000. Canadian superstar Celine Dion also performed as part of her Taking Chances Tour a two-night stand at the stadium on 16 and 17 February 2008 with a total attendance of about 80,000. For the 1999 staging of Verdi's Aida, a cast of 100's (locally selected extras) formed the backing for international musicians and singers. Boxing On 20 October 1979, South African heavyweight boxer Gerrie Coetzee challenged the unbeaten American heavyweight John Tate for the vacant WBA World Heavyweight title in front of a crowd of 80,000 people. Despite massive support within the stadium Coetzee lost on points to the American. Expensive ring side seats for spectators were laid out flat on the rugby pitch, while fans seated on the stadium's (backward) steel pavilions had to do with binoculars to follow the action. Cricket Between 1956 and 1959 six first-class cricket matches were played at the stadium. See also List of African stadiums by capacity References External links Vodacom Blue Bulls Stadium picture The Telegraph Virtual Tour of Loftus Versfeld Extreme Definition Photos of Stadiums in South Africa at cafe.daum.net/stade FIFA Profile Soccer venues in South Africa Sports venues in Pretoria Rugby union stadiums in South Africa Rugby World Cup stadiums 2010 FIFA World Cup stadiums 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup stadiums Music venues in South Africa Sports venues completed in 1923 Blue Bulls Rugby Union Cricket grounds in South Africa 1923 establishments in South Africa