Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyumu
Key facts
Club: Fenerbahçe SK | Opening: 1908 | Capacity: 50,530 seats
History and description
The site of the present Şükrü Saracoğlu was first used for football in 1908. It then served as a community stadium for many of the city’s clubs, but lost its importance in the 1920s after the opening of Taksim Stadium.
Fenerbahçe made the stadium their home in 1929, and soon after bought the ground. From then on the stadium went by the name of Fenerbahçe Stadı.
In the late 1940s, Fenerbahçe Stadı could hold about 25,000 people. It consisted of one small covered main stand and open terraces on the other sides.
The stadium was further expanded in the following decades, and was renamed in 1998 in honour of former Turkish and club president Şükrü Saracoğlu.
One year later, extensive redevelopment works started, leading to the reconstruction of all four stands and the installation of a new roof, a process that was completed in 2006.
In 2009, Şükrü Saracoğlu hosted the UEFA Cup final that was contested between FC Shakthar and Werder Bremen (2-1).
(photos of the present Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyumu below)
Getting there
Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyumu is located on the Asian side of the city of Istanbul, quite close to the banks of the Bosphorus in the historic district Kadıköy.
The stadium is situated at just a 15-minute walk from the Kadıköy pier, where the ferries from the western side of the city (e.g. Eminönü or Beşiktaş) embark.
The stadium also lies at walking distance from Haydarpaşa train station, where most trains from Turkey’s inland arrive.
Address: Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyumu, Istanbul
Eat, drink, and sleep
Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyum is situated in the lively Kadıköy district, which means that there are many bars, cafés, and restaurants a small walk away. 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 is also a large number of hotels near the stadium. The My Dora Hotel, Khalkedon Hotel, and Hotel Timya are all an approximate 10-minute walk away and get good reviews. The Double Tree by Hilton is a more luxurious alternative.
Click here for all hotels near Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyum, and here for hotels on the European side of Istanbul.
Tickets
Tickets for Fenerbahçe games can be bought online through Biletix, at any of the Biletix sales outlets, or at the ticket office at the stadium.
If tickets remain, these can also be bought on the gate on the day of the match.
For more information call +90 (0) 216 556 98 00.
Photos
Relevant Internet links
Fenerbahce.org – Official website of Fenerbahce SK.
Istanbul.com – Istanbul city guide.
Keep up to date with the latest stadium news by following @stadiumguide on Twitter (all updates) or liking our Facebook page (occasional updates). 
