Stadiums in Istanbul

Gokce Nacar

Jan 21 4230 read

Stadiums in Istanbul

Apart from its beautiful historical spots and landmarks in Istanbul, city of culture is full of entertainment and fun. Being a cultural capital between Asia and Europe, Istanbul hosts many amazing events all year around. Football is very important in Turkish culture. Thus, Istanbul has 7 stadiums in it. By having this many stadiums, Istanbul is provided to host entertainment events and sport events all year around. Now, let's take a look at the best stadiums in Istanbul, where you will get the change to watch the most entertaining sport games and concerts.

Ataturk Olypmic Stadium

The Ataturk Stadium, with its capacity of more than 76,000, is Turkey's largest sports venue. Built in the 1990s as part of a failed Olympics bid, the stadium is called Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first President of Turkey. You can easily locate it in the far west of Istanbul, about 30 minutes from the tourist city center, in Ikitelli district. Take the metro to Olympiyat Station where you can get right outside the Atatürk Olympic Stadium.

As this is a multifunctional arena with an athletic course, the seats are very far from the pitch, but from any stand it means fantastic views. The West Stand, with its additional levels and the cover that makes for less than optimal conditions, is difficult to beat for the atmosphere. When making tickets the North and South stands are not secured. As you'll find no more atmotive bars or pubs outside the town of Atatürk Olympic Stadium. It's best to warm up than go directly to the stadium in central Istanbul.

Sukru Saracoglu Stadium

The famous home of Fenerbahçe, the most popular and most successful club on the Asian side of the Bosporus, is Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. The 50,000-strong stadium has the support of its supporters, particularly when participating in the UEFA Champions League or when matching with local rivals Gallatasaray.

Currently the North Stand is reserved for fans away, while most vocal supporters from Fenerbahçe usually use the West Stand. The latter is just above the cabin and dressing rooms the biggest part of the stadium. By taking the subway to Sogutlucesme station, you can reach Sukru Saracoglu stadium.

Vodafone Arena

Vodafone Arena is the headquarters of Beşiktaş JK, situated on the west side of the Bosphorus. This stadium of 41,000 capacity is famous on match days because of its wonderful atmosphere. This is surely one of Istanbul's most thrilling soccer stadiums. The bowl-shaped configuration has 2 levels of seats, and behind the targets in the top levels is the best atmosphere.

Since Vodafone Arena is located close to Istanbul's tourism center, during a short trip to the city you can mix a soccer and visitation match, which makes the place iconic for visitors. Visit Taksim while you are there, and explore the best cafes and restaurants during your Istanbul trip.

Turk Telekom Arena

Türk Telekom is located on the west side of the Bosphorus in the district of Sariyer. Since Galatasaray SK is the most successful club in Turkey, a guided stadium tour is a common event. Tuesday to Sunday sessions are open, with various times during the day. The dressing rooms, VIP boxes and Trophy Rooms, with the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup and any domestic honours, are also open to visitors.

In the 52,000 capacities of the Türk Telekom Arena, the perfect place to sit down behind the scenes in a tournament. Fans from Galatasaray are highly enthusiastic, so that families can purchase their less daunting halfway fare. In order to obtain a last-minute ticket, if you are in Istanbul, ensure you request a Passolig card on the team's website. Taking the metro to Seyrantepe station on the M2 line to meet the terrain. In less than 10 minutes you can walk to the ground. The Istanbul Alisveris Merkezi shopping center has a well-maintained outdoor area with terraces. Bars and restaurants are available.