The Türk Telekom Arena is built in Istanbul on the European side of the city close to the Levant and Maslak districts. The home club of this stadium is Galatasaray SK and has a capacity of 52,695 seats.
Turkish telecommunications company Turk Telekom is the sponsor for the stadium till the end of 2021, and hence the name of the stadium.
History
Galatasaray SK’s old home ground Ali Sami Yen was replaced the Türk Telekom Arena in 2011. The construction of the new stadium started in the year 2007, and took four years to complete.
The estimated spendings in building this stadium was $250 million.
The first ever match was played on 15 January 2011 featuring the home team and Ajax. The game ended in a tame draw where both the teams failed to score any goals.
Major matches
The Türk Telecom Arena has hosted seven international matches until now for the Turkish national football team. It has been a host venue in 2012 and 2016 Euro qualifying rounds.
It was also a venue in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Eleven games, including the final of the tournament were played in this stadium.
The record attendance of 52,044 was recorded when Spanish giants Real Madrid played against Galatasaray in the 2013 UEFA Champions League quarter-final match.
Recent matches
Galatasaray played their most recent home game against Goztepe. A Jahovic scored the first goal of the match and the only goal for Goztepe off a penalty in the 9th minute. Garry Rodrigues scored the equaliser in the 19th minute. Y Oztekin then put the home team in the lead in the 53rd minute. Maicon ensured a win for Galatasaray as he scored their third goal in the 70th minute. Galatasaray beat Goztepe 3-1.
