Ali Sami Yen Stadium
Encyclopedia
Ali Sami Yen Stadium was the home of the football club Galatasaray SK in Istanbul
, Turkey
, from 1964 to 2010. It is named after the founder of the club, Ali Sami Yen
. The stadium had a capacity of 23,477 (all-seater) and was situated in the Mecidiyeköy
quarter of the Şişli
district, at the center of the Europe
an side of the city.
, played their matches at the historic Taksim Stadium
on Taksim Square
, which was located inside the courtyard of the Ottoman
era Taksim Artillery Barracks
(Taksim Topçu Kışlası) built by Sultan Abdülmecid I
in the 1840s; the surrounding walls of which were transformed into tribunes. Taksim Stadium
was demolished in 1939 and was replaced with the present-day Taksim Park (Taksim Gezi Parkı) in the 1940s and 1950s. As a result, the major football teams of Istanbul had to find a new stadium to play their matches. Galatasaray Sports Club decided to build a large, modern stadium, and construction works began in 1943. Due to the difficulties faced during the World War II
years, only a small stadium could initially be built, which was opened in 1945. However, construction works continued on the site and the current stadium was completed in 1964.
Ali Sami Yen Stadi was inaugurated on December 14, 1964, with a friendly game between Turkey and Bulgaria. Unfortunately, tragedy struck during the opening match: in one of the stands many people fell onto the first floor, which caused numerous injuries, but luckily none of them were fatal. Spotlights were added to the stadium in 1965, and night games began to be played (the lighting system was renovated in 1993). The stadium was made up of 2 identical lateral stands which were covered by a roof: the Numaralı (Numbered) stand, where the TV cameras were located; and the Kapalı (Covered) stand, where the most fanatical team supporters usually viewed the games. The two other stands, behind the goal gates, were the Yeni Açık (New Open), with 2 tiers, and the Eski Açık (Old Open), with the electronic scoreboard.
In the past, games were played in front of more than 35,000 spectators in this stadium, which is nicknamed "Hell" by Galatasaray's supporters because of its intimidating atmosphere and the enthusiastic support of the fans who often make mass use of torches, smoke, drums, flags and giant posters to create visual grandeur and apply psychological pressure on visiting teams. Ali Sami Yen is important for Galatasaray because it saw many victories against renowned European football clubs, such as FC Barcelona
, Real Madrid
, Milan
, Manchester United
and many others.
The stadium was located in Mecidiyeköy
, one of the most crowded quarters of central Istanbul
, surrounded by dense urban development.
The new home ground of Galatasaray is the newly built Türk Telekom Arena in the Seyrantepe quarter near Maslak
financial district in Şişli
. The new stadium, which was opened 15 January 2011, has a capacity of 52,695 seats, making it the largest private stadium owned by a club in Turkey.
. There are bus stops for several lines of the Metropolitan Municipality's bus network near where the stadium was situated. The subway station's name is "Şişli/Mecidiyeköy".
, defender Servet Çetin
and Colin Kazim-Richards
made the final score 3-1. The demolition of this stadium began in April 2011.
financial district in Şişli
. The plans for the stadium were introduced to the Turkish press on May 11 2007. The new stadium, which was opened 15 January 2011, has a fully retractable roof and a seating capacity
of 52,695 seats, making it the largest private stadium owned by a club in Turkey. The stadium will also have its own metro station.
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, from 1964 to 2010. It is named after the founder of the club, Ali Sami Yen
Ali Sami Yen
Ali Sami Yen is best known as the founder of Galatasaray Sports Club. His original name was Ali Sami Frashëri and he is the son of Sami Frashëri, one of the most famous Albanian writers, philosophers and playwrights...
. The stadium had a capacity of 23,477 (all-seater) and was situated in the Mecidiyeköy
Mecidiyeköy
Mecidiyeköy is a neighbourhood located in the Şişli district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is also one of the prominent business quarters of Istanbul. It is situated between Fulya, Kuştepe, Gültepe, Esentepe, and Gülbahar neighbourhoods...
quarter of the Şişli
Sisli
Şişli is one of 39 districts of Istanbul, Turkey. Located on the European side of the city, it is bordered by Beşiktaş to the east, Sarıyer to the north, Eyüp and Kağıthane to the west, and Beyoğlu to the south...
district, at the center of the Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an side of the city.
History
Between 1921 and 1939, Galatasaray SK and the two other major football clubs of Istanbul, Beşiktaş JK and Fenerbahçe SKFenerbahçe SK
Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is a professional sports club based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey. The club derives its name from the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood of Istanbul. Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest and the best supported clubs in Turkey. They are nicknamed Sarı Kanaryalar )...
, played their matches at the historic Taksim Stadium
Taksim Stadium
Taksim Stadium was the first football stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally the 19th century Taksim Artillery Barracks it was transformed into a stadium in 1921 and was located in the center of the city, on Taksim Square. The ground was the home of all major football clubs in Istanbul,...
on Taksim Square
Taksim Square
Taksim Square situated in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major shopping, tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network...
, which was located inside the courtyard of the Ottoman
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
era Taksim Artillery Barracks
Taksim Military Barracks
Taksim Military Barracks or Halil Pasha Artillery Barracks is a demolished historic structure formerly located at the site of the present-day Taksim Park next to Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in 1806, during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Selim III...
(Taksim Topçu Kışlası) built by Sultan Abdülmecid I
Abdülmecid I
Sultan Abdülmecid I, Abdul Mejid I, Abd-ul-Mejid I or Abd Al-Majid I Ghazi was the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and succeeded his father Mahmud II on July 2, 1839. His reign was notable for the rise of nationalist movements within the empire's territories...
in the 1840s; the surrounding walls of which were transformed into tribunes. Taksim Stadium
Taksim Stadium
Taksim Stadium was the first football stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally the 19th century Taksim Artillery Barracks it was transformed into a stadium in 1921 and was located in the center of the city, on Taksim Square. The ground was the home of all major football clubs in Istanbul,...
was demolished in 1939 and was replaced with the present-day Taksim Park (Taksim Gezi Parkı) in the 1940s and 1950s. As a result, the major football teams of Istanbul had to find a new stadium to play their matches. Galatasaray Sports Club decided to build a large, modern stadium, and construction works began in 1943. Due to the difficulties faced during the World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
years, only a small stadium could initially be built, which was opened in 1945. However, construction works continued on the site and the current stadium was completed in 1964.
Ali Sami Yen Stadi was inaugurated on December 14, 1964, with a friendly game between Turkey and Bulgaria. Unfortunately, tragedy struck during the opening match: in one of the stands many people fell onto the first floor, which caused numerous injuries, but luckily none of them were fatal. Spotlights were added to the stadium in 1965, and night games began to be played (the lighting system was renovated in 1993). The stadium was made up of 2 identical lateral stands which were covered by a roof: the Numaralı (Numbered) stand, where the TV cameras were located; and the Kapalı (Covered) stand, where the most fanatical team supporters usually viewed the games. The two other stands, behind the goal gates, were the Yeni Açık (New Open), with 2 tiers, and the Eski Açık (Old Open), with the electronic scoreboard.
In the past, games were played in front of more than 35,000 spectators in this stadium, which is nicknamed "Hell" by Galatasaray's supporters because of its intimidating atmosphere and the enthusiastic support of the fans who often make mass use of torches, smoke, drums, flags and giant posters to create visual grandeur and apply psychological pressure on visiting teams. Ali Sami Yen is important for Galatasaray because it saw many victories against renowned European football clubs, such as FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
, Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
, Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
and many others.
The stadium was located in Mecidiyeköy
Sisli
Şişli is one of 39 districts of Istanbul, Turkey. Located on the European side of the city, it is bordered by Beşiktaş to the east, Sarıyer to the north, Eyüp and Kağıthane to the west, and Beyoğlu to the south...
, one of the most crowded quarters of central Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
, surrounded by dense urban development.
The new home ground of Galatasaray is the newly built Türk Telekom Arena in the Seyrantepe quarter near Maslak
Maslak
Maslak is a neighbourhood and one of the main business districts of Istanbul, Turkey, located on the European side of the city. It is an exclave of the municipality of Şişli, though being far north and actually closer to the municipalities of Beşiktaş and Sarıyer.Maslak is in direct competition...
financial district in Şişli
Sisli
Şişli is one of 39 districts of Istanbul, Turkey. Located on the European side of the city, it is bordered by Beşiktaş to the east, Sarıyer to the north, Eyüp and Kağıthane to the west, and Beyoğlu to the south...
. The new stadium, which was opened 15 January 2011, has a capacity of 52,695 seats, making it the largest private stadium owned by a club in Turkey.
Games and tickets
A portion of the stadium, covering around 7,000 to 8,000 seats, were sold annually in the form of season tickets. Average number of fans per game was around 19,000, while the stadium had a capacity of 23,000.Stands
The best atmosphere in the stadium was in the Kapalı (Covered) stand, where the most fanatical fans congregated. It has got a capacity of 5,500. For more comfort, the Numaralı (Numbered) stand was the best, but this was also the most expensive one. The capacity was 3,050. The Yeni Açık (New Open) stand had a capacity of 7,810. The stadium's most modern section was the rebuilt Eski Açık (Old Open) stand with a capacity of 7,117 seats.Access
Access to Ali Sami Yen was very easy, as the stadium was not far from popular tourist locations such as Taksim SquareTaksim Square
Taksim Square situated in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major shopping, tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network...
. There are bus stops for several lines of the Metropolitan Municipality's bus network near where the stadium was situated. The subway station's name is "Şişli/Mecidiyeköy".
Milestones
- 1933 Galatasaray SK buys the plot in Mecidiyeköy
- 1 December 1936 Groundbreaking
- 1940 - 1944 Construction
- 3 September 1944 Stadium opened as "Mecidiyeköy Stadium" and first match: Elektrik SK vs. Emniyet SK
- 24 September 1944 First Galatasaray SK match vs. Süleymaniye SK (7-0)
- 1945 Construction of a single 15,000 concrete stand
- 1945-1964 Galatasaray SK used it as a training field
- 1954 Brazl's National Football team used it as training field
- 20 December 1964 Stadium opened as "Ali Sami Yen Stadium" and first match: Turkey vs Bulgaria
- 1965 Floodlights have been installed
- 29 September 1965 First Galatasaray match in the expanded and new called "Ali Sami Yen Stadi" vs. FC Sion (2-1)
- 1972-1980 Because of the bad pitch stadium is closed
- 1980-1984 Galatasaray plays again at Ali Sami Yen Stadi
- 1984-1986 Because of the new Highway bridge just behind the Yeni Açik stand stadium is closed
- 1993 All-seater. Capacity sinks from 35,000 to 22,000
- February 2005 Demolition of the Eski Açık Stand
- September 2005 New Eski Açık Stand opens. Capacity rises to 25,000
- 2008 Modernization and renovation of the first tier of the Kapalı Stand. Capacity sinks to 23,447
- 12 January 2011 Last match: Galatasaray SK 3-1 Şeker SK (Türkiye Kupasi)
Quotations
- "I've never experienced anything like Galatasaray. Two hours before kick-off, we went out to have a look at the pitch and the stadium was packed! The chanting was brilliant: one side starts, then the other, then quiet, then all of them chanting!." (Ryan GiggsRyan GiggsRyan Joseph Giggs OBE is a Welsh professional footballer who plays for Manchester United. Giggs made his first appearance for the club during the 1990–91 season and has been a regular player since the 1991–92 season...
) - "Nobody can make me believe that there are only 25,000 people in this stadium." (Paolo MaldiniPaolo MaldiniPaolo Cesare Maldini is an Italian former footballer who played as a left or central defender. He spent all 25 seasons of his career at Serie A club Milan, before retiring at the age of 41 in 2009, becoming a symbol and a legend of the club...
) - "I love this Hell." (Pierluigi CollinaPierluigi CollinaPierluigi Collina is a former Italian football referee. He is still involved in football as non-paid consultant to the Italian Football Referees Association , and is a member of the UEFA Referees Committee...
)
Records
| Rank | Attendance | Date | Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 48,600 | 20 December 1964 | Turkey Turkey national football team The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA... – Bulgaria Bulgaria national football team The FIFA Bulgaria national football team is an association football team fielded by the Bulgarian Football Union, a member association of UEFA. The team's home ground is Vasil Levski in Sofia and Luboslav Penev is in charge manager after replacement of Lothar Matthäus... |
| 2 | 35,845 | 07 June 1987 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Eskişehirspor Eskisehirspor Eskişehirspor is a football club in Eskişehir, Turkey. Also known as Kırmızı Şimşekler or The Star of Anatolia. The club was founded in 1965 and started a football revolution in Anatolia. Eskişehirspor started a long term stay in the first league in Turkey when they were founded. This term lasted... |
| 3 | 35,664 | 02 April 1967 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is a professional sports club based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey. The club derives its name from the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood of Istanbul. Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest and the best supported clubs in Turkey. They are nicknamed Sarı Kanaryalar )... |
| 4 | 35,503 | 05 June 1983 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is a professional sports club based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey. The club derives its name from the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood of Istanbul. Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest and the best supported clubs in Turkey. They are nicknamed Sarı Kanaryalar )... |
| 5 | 35,119 | 09 November 1988 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Neuchâtel Xamax Neuchâtel Xamax Neuchâtel Xamax Football Club is a Swiss football club, based in Neuchâtel. It was created in 1970 through a merger between FC Cantonal and FC Xamax . The club plays in red shirts, black shorts and red socks and are currently in the Axpo Super League, the highest Swiss football league. They play... |
| 6 | 34,311 | 19 May 1982 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – MKE Ankaragücü |
| 7 | 34,240 | 13 November 1966 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is a professional sports club based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey. The club derives its name from the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood of Istanbul. Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest and the best supported clubs in Turkey. They are nicknamed Sarı Kanaryalar )... |
| 8 | 32,615 | 20 July 1997 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is a professional sports club based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey. The club derives its name from the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood of Istanbul. Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest and the best supported clubs in Turkey. They are nicknamed Sarı Kanaryalar )... |
| 9 | 32,071 | 16 August 1988 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is a professional sports club based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey. The club derives its name from the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood of Istanbul. Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest and the best supported clubs in Turkey. They are nicknamed Sarı Kanaryalar )... |
| 10 | 31,998 | 14 May 1994 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Bursaspor Bursaspor Bursaspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Bursa. Formed in 1963, Bursaspor are nicknamed the Yeşil Timsahlar... |
| 11 | 31,611 | 29 November 1970 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is a professional sports club based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey. The club derives its name from the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood of Istanbul. Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest and the best supported clubs in Turkey. They are nicknamed Sarı Kanaryalar )... |
| 13 | 30,910 | 16 August 1970 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is a professional sports club based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey. The club derives its name from the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood of Istanbul. Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest and the best supported clubs in Turkey. They are nicknamed Sarı Kanaryalar )... |
| 14 | 30,490 | 08 April 1984 | Galatasaray SK Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... – Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe SK Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü is a professional sports club based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey. The club derives its name from the Fenerbahçe neighbourhood of Istanbul. Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest and the best supported clubs in Turkey. They are nicknamed Sarı Kanaryalar )... |
3D Virtual Tour
Ali Sami Yen Stadium 3D Virtual TourThe Closure
Galatasaray's final game at the stadium was their Turkish Cup match on 11 Jan 2011 against Beypazarı Şekerspor. The team badly wanted to win in order to enter the new stadium, Turk Telekom Arena respectfully. Having been 1-0 behind, goals from captain Arda TuranArda Turan
Arda Turan is a Turkish footballer who plays for Atlético Madrid and the Turkish national team, as a left winger. At the age of 22, prior to the 2009–10 season he was made the captain of Galatasaray....
, defender Servet Çetin
Servet Çetin
Servet Çetin , is a Turkish footballer who is playing for Galatasaray in the centre back position. He received the nickname Ayıboğan which literally means; a man who could choke a bear, due to his height and strength....
and Colin Kazim-Richards
Colin Kazim-Richards
Colin Kazim-Richards , commonly known as Colin Kâzım, Kâzım or Kâzım Kâzım, is an English-born Turkish footballer who plays for Galatasaray, and internationally for Turkey having qualified for Turkish nationality through his mother's ethnicity...
made the final score 3-1. The demolition of this stadium began in April 2011.
The new stadium
The new home ground of Galatasaray is the newly built Türk Telekom Arena in the Seyrantepe quarter near MaslakMaslak
Maslak is a neighbourhood and one of the main business districts of Istanbul, Turkey, located on the European side of the city. It is an exclave of the municipality of Şişli, though being far north and actually closer to the municipalities of Beşiktaş and Sarıyer.Maslak is in direct competition...
financial district in Şişli
Sisli
Şişli is one of 39 districts of Istanbul, Turkey. Located on the European side of the city, it is bordered by Beşiktaş to the east, Sarıyer to the north, Eyüp and Kağıthane to the west, and Beyoğlu to the south...
. The plans for the stadium were introduced to the Turkish press on May 11 2007. The new stadium, which was opened 15 January 2011, has a fully retractable roof and a seating capacity
Seating capacity
Seating capacity refers to the number of people who can be seated in a specific space, both in terms of the physical space available, and in terms of limitations set by law. Seating capacity can be used in the description of anything ranging from an automobile that seats two to a stadium that seats...
of 52,695 seats, making it the largest private stadium owned by a club in Turkey. The stadium will also have its own metro station.