While the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will bring international exposure and thousands of visitors to Cape Town, the real benefits of hosting the event will be felt long after the games have ended.

The main legacy projects include the new urban park, better public transport and facilities throughout the city, improved infrastructure and a growing economy.

Stadium and urban park
The new multi-purpose stadium that is being built will host many major events, and the reconfigured Green Point Common will be an attractive and accessible public space for sport and recreation.

Transport
This is the biggest legacy project for Cape Town, as the city's improved public transport infrastructure will be used by most residents.

Highlights include improved road and rail networks; station upgrades; an Integrated Rapid Transport System; integrated ticketing; an airport bus link; major airport upgrade and park and ride facilities, to mention a few.

Facilities
Apart from the Green Point Stadium and Urban Park, many other facilities in the city are being improved. Philippi and Athlone stadiums are being upgraded to use as practice venues. Areas around fan parks are being also upgraded. There is a massive expansion project at the V&A Waterfront, and many new hotels are being built.

Infrastructure
Major upgrades of electricity and other essential infrastructure services are underway. More fire engines have been bought, additional firemen, police and traffic officers are being trained, and security and health services are being improved - all to be able to cope with the influx of visitors, and for increased domestic demand in the future.

Environment
Hosting a major event such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will have a significant effect on the environment. To counter this, a dedicated project has been launched to achieve the 'green goals' that the event organisers must score to make it as environmentally responsible as possible, thereby creating a legacy for the hosting of future such events.

Economy
The FIFA World Cup™ will bring significant economic benefits to the city. The major construction work that is currently underway has drawn investment into the region and created jobs, thereby stimulating the local economy. The anticipated influx of thousands of tourists will boost it further.

The marketing and exposure opportunities offered by worldwide television coverage will also result in increased tourism and investment.

Social
As evidenced in Germany during the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, and more recently during the Beijing Olympics, hosting a major sporting event plays a great role in uniting a sometimes divided society. Residents will "buy in" to the event, thereby ensuring its success. There will also be upliftment programmes, particularly in soccer.