Councillors overwhelmingly voted for the simplest and most effective name at a Council meeting on 28 October 2009.

Cape Town residents had been asked to send in their suggested names plus a motivation for their choice during a month-long public participation process. An expert and independent panel assessed the 302 submissions received, with their criteria including marketing, sponsorship, advertising and revenue potential, as well as inclusivity.

The City of Cape Town proposed that the stadium be named Cape Town Stadium, pointing out that Green Point stadium - as it had been known - referred to its location and was not an official name.

The City argued that Cape Town is a strong and established brand; is distinct yet flexible enough to attract a variety of sponsors; is neutral and unlikely to be controversial and divide residents (as some other stadium names have done); and will transmit the message that the stadium is for all of Cape Town and its residents.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the stadium would have been referred to as the Cape Town Stadium in any event, and this will establish the new name with millions of viewers across the world, the City said.

There were varying suggestions on what the Xhosa equivalent of Cape Town Stadium should be, with councillors settling on Inkundla yezemidlalo yaseKapa.