DURBAN July frenzy has hit fever pitch and a bumper crowd of 50 000 people are expected to attend this year’s Vodacom Durban July (VDJ) this Saturday, bringing with them an additional R150 million-rand cash injection into the local economy.
According to Ken Tweddell, Event Marketing Manager for Gold Circle, on race day visitors are expected to spend a projected R75 million.
“Betting adds another R100 million – on and off-course totes around the country,” Tweddell said.
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Forecasts are that the total contribution made to the province’s economy will be about R159 million added with the creation of 320 jobs. Meanwhile, designers are frantically sewing those last minute stitches, and horse grooming and preparation is being done in the stables.
Construction of the massive marquees that make up the legendary Marquee Village is on schedule as the décor teams commissioned by the hospitality service providers are ready to weave their magic and add their unique interpretation of the raceday theme, It Is Time.
In all, 30 separate marquees have been built offering a range of hospitality options, plus the existing hospitality suites in the main grandstand and the popular picnic sites.
“We have added new picnic site areas to cater for the demand,” said EventWorld’s Nellie Mhlongo,” and there’s excitement about the upgraded Public Area.
An estimated 3 500 chefs, waitrons and hospitality staff will man the various hospitality venues.
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Entertainment line-ups that include superstars of the local music scene, celebrity guest MCs and A-list guests from every corner of the country are making their way to Durban. Racegoers can look forward to the added bonus of a musical bonanza in the late afternoon and into the evening.
“These headline music acts will be available free to every race-goer on a public stage and add huge value to the R220 entrance ticket holder’s raceday experience,” said Tweddell.
The Mayor of Durban, Cllr Zandile Gumede said: “What makes us happy is that most of the side events have been scheduled for our townships and this will give practical expression to the ideals of radical economic transformation, as it directly benefits our people in their communities.”
Visit www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za for details.
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