The countdown has begun for the March 20 opening of the long-awaited R460 million world-class ICC Durban Arena designed for indoor sporting events and concerts.

The massive Arena, destined to put Durban on the map for major international events, will also open up new markets for the showcase centre that has featured on the list of top ten best convention centres in the world for the past two years.

With only ten weeks to go, some R390 million of work has already been completed. Glazing of the massive facade is almost complete and work is now being carried out on internal finishes as well as paving to the entrance area.

The inside hi-tech flooring, which can be compared to Olympic stadia standards in terms of levels and flatness, is now 70% complete and the internal operable wall doors are almost fully installed.

Attention is now being paid to the finalisation of the ceilings, internal electronics, audio visual, business management systems, fire and evacuation systems. During the December shutdown period carpeting and lighting in the existing centre were updated to tone in with the design of the new Arena decor.