In a move that will have South African fans up in arms, We Buy Cars has confirmed the purchase of Ellis Park. The once famed rugby ground, has seen empty stands in recent years, with the lack of fans through the turnstiles, the sale of the stadium was necessary in order to keep the union afloat in these tough times.
After the successful acquisition of the Coca-Cola Dome and its conversion into a top class showroom, Ellis Park is now set to suffer a similar fate.
The deal having been signed on the 1st of April 2023, will come into effect the day after the Springboks host Los Pumas in their Rugby Championship clash later this year. It will be a fitting swan song for a stadia so rich in South African Rugby history. No one will forget the moment Francois Pienaar and Madiba hoisted up the Web Ellis Cup in 1995. Those memories will now be replaced by countless smiles, as new cars are purchased and driven out into the streets of Jozi by their new owners.
The ample space of the stadium as well as the surrounding grounds will provide We Buy Cars with the perfect showroom and testing track as their brand continues to expand exponentially in the used car market space. Can you imagine just how many Ford Rangers they will be able to fit into the stands, once all the seats have been removed.
Although this article may have created a fair amount of panic, rest assured, the beloved Ellis Park is here to stay for the time being at least. There are definite concerns around the fan experience and overall safety of event goers in general but the sale of one of South Africa's most cherished rugby stomping grounds is probably never going to happen.
Happy April fools everyone, catch you back here next year.