Avusa-owned cinema chain Nu Metro plans to bring the 2010 soccer World Cup to South Africans in 3D.

The company announced in newspaper advertisements on Sunday that it will offer 18 games in 3D between this Friday, 18 June, and the final on 11 July.

It may be the only opportunity for South Africans to see the World Cup games live in 3D as no SA broadcaster is offering live 3D broadcasts.

Sony, a sponsor of the World Cup, has been using its involvement in the event to promote 3D television. Television manufacturers are hoping to sustain sales of high-definition sets by adding 3D capabilities. Broadcasters are getting in on the act. ESPN, for example, is providing 3D coverage of the World Cup in its home market of the US.

However, no 3D broadcasts are available on local television. MultiChoice says it has no plans to launch a 3D channel on its DStv service any time soon. Despite this, it’s DStv and fellow MultiChoice company SuperSport that have partnered with Nu Metro to bring the 3D soccer to local cinema screens.

The games will be offered locally at 14 Nu Metro theatres: Emperors Palace, Montecasino, Clearwater Mall, The Glen, Bedford Centre, Hyde Park, Menlyn Park, The Pavilion, Galleria, V&A Waterfront, Canal Walk, Riverside Mall, Loch Logan and Walmer Park.

Tickets go on sale from Wednesday, 16 June, according to Nu Metro’s website.

The matches that will be shown in 3D are: