Hollywoodbets Kings Park - Home of the Sharks, Durban

Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium — colloquially known as "The Shark Tank" — is one of South Africa's most iconic sporting venues and the legendary home of the Hollywoodbets Sharks. Located in the Kings Park Sporting Precinct on Jacko Jackson Drive in Stamford Hill, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, the 52,000-capacity stadium has hosted rugby union since the modern ground opened in 1958 (the site has staged rugby since 1891). The stadium is currently owned by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The Sharks franchise (known as the Natal Rugby Union from 1890) has been one of South Africa's most dominant rugby forces, producing legendary players including Bryan Habana, Makazole Mapimpi, Tendai Mtawarira and Siya Kolisi. The stadium has been extensively renovated — in 1976, 1984, and again for the 1995 Rugby World Cup (which hosted matches at Kings Park including the famous pool stage match South Africa v Canada). The 2010 FIFA World Cup also saw Kings Park considered for matches before the nearby Moses Mabhida Stadium was selected instead. The stadium features 350 executive suites — among the highest of any rugby venue in the world — and an electric matchday atmosphere generated by passionate KwaZulu-Natal supporters in the famous black-and-white Sharks colours. The record attendance is 57,000 for the 2002 Tri-Nations match between South Africa and New Zealand. Naming rights have changed multiple times: ABSA Stadium (2000-2010), Mr Price Kings Park (2011-2012), Growthpoint Kings Park (2013-2018), Jonsson Kings Park (2018-2022), and Hollywoodbets Kings Park since January 2022.

A ground for rugby union has existed at the Kings Park site in Durban since 1891, making it one of the oldest rugby sites in South Africa. The modern Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium opened in 1958 with an initial capacity of 12,000 spectators. The stadium was extensively renovated in 1976 and again in 1984, significantly increasing capacity. The most transformational renovation came in 1993-1995 in preparation for the 1995 Rugby World Cup, hosted by South Africa — Kings Park hosted pool stage matches including South Africa v Canada. With the opening of the Sharks franchise for the Super 12 competition in 1996 (drawing players from KwaZulu-Natal Province), Kings Park became one of the most feared Super Rugby home fortresses, with the Sharks reaching four Super Rugby Finals (losing all four — 1996, 2001, 2007, and 2012). The record attendance of 57,000 was set during the 2002 Tri-Nations match between South Africa and New Zealand, when temporary seating expanded the standard capacity. From 2000 onwards, the stadium cycled through multiple naming rights partners: ABSA Stadium (2000-2010), Mr Price Kings Park (2011-2012), Growthpoint Kings Park (2013-2018), and Jonsson Kings Park (2018-2022). In January 2022, Durban-based sports betting company Hollywoodbets — already holders of the naming rights to Kingsmead cricket ground — acquired the Kings Park naming rights and the stadium became Hollywoodbets Kings Park. In October 2021, the Sharks joined the URC as one of four South African franchises, with Kings Park immediately establishing itself as one of the competition's most formidable away venues. The Sharks reached the 2023 URC Grand Final before losing to Leinster. Under director of rugby Neil Powell and coaches John Plumtree (2024-25) and JP Pietersen (2025-26), the franchise continues to be a major URC force.

Hollywoodbets Kings Park is one of world rugby's most atmospheric venues — a coastal rugby cauldron where the famous sea breeze from the Indian Ocean, the passionate KwaZulu-Natal crowd, and the electric pre-match "Shark Tank" atmosphere combine to create an unforgettable matchday experience. The 52,000-capacity ground fills with a sea of black and white jerseys on big URC and Springbok test days, with the famous singing and chanting of Sharks supporters creating a wall of noise. The pre-match fan zone, food village, and entertainment around the stadium are celebrated as among the best matchday experiences in South African rugby. Unlike Loftus Versfeld's notorious altitude advantage, Kings Park sits essentially at sea level — but compensates with the famous Durban humidity and heat on summer matchdays, which creates its own challenge for visiting teams.

The Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium Tour is a 75-minute guided behind-the-scenes experience exploring one of South Africa's most storied rugby venues — the legendary Shark Tank. Adult tickets approximately R120, child R60, with family rates available. Tours run Monday to Friday, typically at 10am and 2pm, subject to availability — not available on matchdays, training days, or international fixture days. The tour takes visitors through the home Sharks dressing room, the famous players' tunnel, pitchside on the famous Kings Park grass surface, the 350-suite executive complex (one of the largest in world rugby), the Sharks Heritage Room celebrating 130+ years of KwaZulu-Natal rugby (the Natal Rugby Union was founded in 1890), and the press conference room. Visitors hear stories of Sharks legends including Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira, Makazole Mapimpi, and Siya Kolisi — players who define the franchise's place in world rugby. Book via sharksrugby.co.za or by phone +27 31 308 4000. The tour can be adapted for wheelchair users with prior notification.

Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium features the Sharks Heritage Room — a dedicated space celebrating 130+ years of KwaZulu-Natal rugby history, from the founding of the Natal Rugby Union in 1890 through to the Sharks' URC era. Key displays cover the franchise's four Super Rugby Final appearances (1996, 2001, 2007, 2012), the record 57,000 attendance against the All Blacks in the 2002 Tri-Nations, the 1995 Rugby World Cup pool matches hosted at the venue, and legendary players who represent the pinnacle of KwaZulu-Natal rugby: Bryan Habana (most Bulls/Sharks combined tries), Tendai Mtawarira (most franchise appearances: 159), Makazole Mapimpi (most franchise tries: 42), and Siya Kolisi (who began his career at the Sharks). The 2023 URC Grand Final run (the franchise's first ever URC/Pro Rugby Final appearance) is also prominently commemorated. Heritage displays extend throughout the executive suites and concourse areas.