Alexander Park in Pietermaritzburg has been identified by the Msunduzi Municipality as a fan park site for the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup.

Alexander Park in Pietermaritzburg has been identified by the Msunduzi Municipality as a fan park site for the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup.

Brian Zuma, the municipality's marketing and communications manager, said they have already started familiarising residents with the benefits of a fan park.

"We all know that the fan parks were a roaring success during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, not everybody will be able to get a ticket to watch the games," Zuma said.

"The process of introducing the fan park to the local residents is going well, we have used it when we hosted some of the big competitions."

"Residents are encouraged to come with their family members and friends. They can also have a braai while watching the big competitions on big screens."

The big events include the Comrades Marathon, Dusi Marathon and World View Cycling Challenge.

"Some of those global events, like the Comrades Marathon and cycling challenge help us a lot to advertise Pietermaritzburg as a tourist city," said Zuma.

"Not everybody will get accommodation in Durban during the World Cup, that is why we are also working hard to ensure we have enough hotel rooms in our city."