This was confirmed by the Stadium Management SA CE & Dr Jacques Grobbelaar, who also pointed out that over 80 000 tickets have been sold out, at the 94-seater capacity stadium.
Dr Grobbelaar also encouraged fans to come early as the game kicks off from 6pm on Wednesday 16, to experience this much awaited Nelson Mandela Centenary Cup duel.
“The game will be beamed live across the world from 6pm owing to other Europa finals match,” he said.
He also cautioned fans not buy fake tickets as a result of sold out tickets.
Stringent security measures have have also been put in place that includes beefed up police and security personnel.
Barca will make their second trip to SA having played against Downs at Loftus Versfeld in 2007.
The Catalan club had brought their star players, including Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o in that 2-1 victory.
La Liga campions are expected to once again bring their star players – including Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez – as part of the agreement Sundowns signed with the Spanish giant.
South African supporters will be the last to give Andrés Iniesta – who is leaving the club he has played for since 1996 – a well-deserved send-off as this could be his second-last game in Barca colours.
It will be befitting for Iniesta who will return to the same venue he scored to win Spain the World Cup trophy in 2010.
Uruguayan Suárez will also return to the same venue which made him famous on the continent after he handled the ball to deny Ghana a semi-final spot.
Tickets ranged from R40 to R550, as well as hospitality packages that started from R2,000.
Barca is expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport this morning followed by a press brief.
