History and description

The site of the present ?ükrü Saraco?lu was first used for football in 1908. It then served as the community stadium for many of the city's clubs, but lost its importance in the 1920s after the opening of Taksim Stadium. In 1974, Fenerbahçe announced that they would be selling the stadium to the Turkish government. The stadium formerly known as Fenerbahçe Stad? has since been sold by the Turkish club to the Turkish government.

The late 1940s saw Fenerbahce Stadi with a capacity of only 25,000 people. It consisted of one small covered main stand and open terraces on the other sides.

The stadium was further expanded over the subsequent decades and was renamed in 1998 in honour of former Turkish and club president ?ükrü Saraco?lu.

One year after the extensive redevelopment works began, the reconstruction of all four stands and the installation of a new roof was completed in 2006.

In 2009, the UEFA Cup final contested between Shakthar Donetsk and Werder Bremen was hosted by Sukru Saracoglu. The match was won by Shakthar Donetsk 2-1.

(photos of the present Sukru Saracoglu Stadium below)

How to get to Sukru Saracoglu

Sukru Saracoglu is located in the Asian side of the city of Istanbul, quite close to the bank of the Bosphorus in the historic district Kadikoy. The stadium is located at a short walk from the Kadikoy pier, which serves ferries from the western side of Istanbul.

The stadium is also located within walking distance of Haydarpa?a train station, where most trains from Turkey?s inland arrive.

Address: Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadyumu, Istanbul

Eat, drink, and sleep near Sukru Saracoglu

Sukru Saracoglu Stadium is located in the lively Kadikoy district, which means that there are many bars, cafés, and restaurants nearby. You are likely to bump into anything of your liking on your way from the ferry to the stadium, but if not, head to Kadife Street, where there is a nice selection of bars. There are a large number of hotels near the stadium. The My Dora Hotel, Khalkedon Hotel, and Hotel Timya are all within a 10-minute walk and get good reviews. The Double Tree by Hilton is a more luxurious alternative.

Istanbul has many hotels near Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. For hotels on the European side of Istanbul, click here.

Fenerbahce Tickets

Tickets for Fenerbahce games can be bought through Passo.com.tr. To purchase tickets and enter the stadium, you need a Passolig card. This can be obtained from the Passolig website before hand.

Relevant Internet links

The official website of Fenerbahce SK, Istanbul's leading sports club, is located at www.fenerbahce.org. The website provides information about the club and its players, as well as city guide links for visitors to Istanbul.