Inönü Stadi
Inönü Stadi is the home stadium of Beşiktaş JK. The stadium has a capacity of 32,086 seats.
Construction of the stadium started in 1939, however works had to be postponed due to the outbreak of the Second World War and could only be resumed in 1943. The stadium was officially opened on the 19th of May 1947 by then president Ismet Inönü, a lifelong fan of the club. The first match was played between Beşiktaş and Swedish side AIK (3-2).
For political reasons the stadium was renamed in 1952, but was later given its original name back in 1973. The stadium underwent a major redevelopment in 2004, when among others the athletics tracks were removed, the pitch lowered, and the capacity increased with almost 50%.
Getting there
Inönü Stadi is located slightly north-east of Istanbul’s city centre, on the banks of the Bosphorus, next to Dolmabahçe Palace. It lies about 2.5 kilometres from Galata bridge, and 1 kilometre from Taksim Square, from where it’s a 15-minute walk to the stadium.
Taksim Square is connected with the Istanbul metro network (line 2), historic tramway 5, and is served by many buses and dolmus minibuses. Boats from the Asian side of the river arrive at Kabataş, from where it’s a 5-minute walk to the stadium. Kabataş is also served by (modern) tram line 1 which passes through Istanbul’s historic Golden Horn.
Address: Vişnezade Mahallesi, Dolmabahçe Street, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Stadium tours
The Inönü Stadi houses the JK Beşiktaş museum, which includes the club’s trophy room. The museum is opened Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm except matchdays. Entrance is free.
Relevant Internet links:
BJK.com.tr – Official website of Beşiktaş JK.
Istanbul.com – Istanbul city guide.
Istanbul-ulasim.com.tr – Istanbul metro travel information.
