The following areas were identified to focus on in preparation for 2010. Upgrading of the Free State Stadium, Stadium precinct, Transport, Training venues, Fan parks, Supporting infrastructure and utilities, Information and communication technology (ICT), Accommodation, Tourism, Marketing, communication, signage City beautification, Health Disaster Management, FIFA events, Safety and security, Volunteers, Environmental rehabilitation, Waste management Business closuring during and after the event.
Football
Once the final whistle blew in Berlin at the end of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, South Africa's preparations for 2010 kicked off in earnest. While the country's focus is on getting the infrastructure in place to host the event, FIFA concentrates on the organisation of the tournament. The qualifying process is underway, with invitations having been sent out to allow national teams to take part in qualifying rounds.South Africa automatically qualifies, and there are 31 other places available. A preliminary draw, where qualifying groups and ties will be drawn for all six worldwide confederations, took place in Durban on November 23, 2007.
The first qualifying matches began in August 2007, in the Oceania Football Confederation. The South American zones will then start their qualification process, followed by the African, European, Asian, North American, Central American and Caribbean zones. In the build-up to Germany's World Cup, 847 games were played, and 2 464 goals were scored.
Fan Parks
Those residents and visitors who are not able to get tickets to watch the matches played in Mangaung, and who want to watch other matches played elsewhere in the country, will be able to gather at official FIFA fan parks to see the matches broadcast on large screens. This concept was highly successful during the previous FIFA World Cup held in Germany.
The official Fanpark for Mangaung for the FIFA Worldcup is the Mangaung Outdoor Sports centre, which will also be used as a public viewing area during FIFA confederations cup.There will also be other viewing areas across the Free State province.