Vodafone Arena (Istanbul)

Vodafone Park is an all-seater, multi-purpose stadium in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is the home ground of Beşiktaş JK. The stadium was built on the site of Beşiktaş’s former home, BJK İnönü Stadium. It has a capacity of approximately 41,188 spectators, after initially being planned for 41,903. On August 14, 2019, the stadium hosted the 2019 UEFA Super Cup.

General information

Official website: http://www.vodafonearena.com.tr/

Arena capacity: 41,188 spectators

Address: Vişnezade Mah., Dolmabahçe Cad., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 41°02′21.14″N 28°59′41.07″E

Year of construction: 11 April 2016

Construction cost: €110 million

Field: Hybrid grass with dimensions of 105 by 68 metres (115 yd × 74 yd)

Seating plan of Vodafone Arena

The Vodafone Arena is, like most new stadiums, built in a ‘bowl’ style, with continuous seating all the way around the ground. There are four sections with two-tiers in each section. The stands are best described by their geographical location, with The East Stand and The West Stand running alongside the pitch. The North and South Stands are behind the two goals, with The South Stand being the closest to the Bosphorus.

Where to buy tickets?

Beşiktaş tend to release their ticket prices a few weeks before the games, so it’s tricky to know exactly how much tickets are likely to cost from one minute to the next. The main thing worth noting is that matches rarely sell-out, so you’ll be able to get a ticket on the day of the game unless it’s against one of the club’s biggest rivals.

How to get Beşiktaş tickets

The best place to go for tickets is the Beşiktaş club website.

How to get there?

Though not the capital of Turkey, Istanbul is arguably the most famous and popular part of the country. For that reason it’s easy enough to get there, depending on where you’re travelling from.

Train

It would take you two days to get from London to Istanbul on the train, so maybe swerve that particular option. The stadium is a five minute walk from Taksim Square, though, so Taksim Metro Station will be your best bet.

Bus

In the heart of the city centre, the ground is served by a host of buses that take you anywhere near the middle of Istanbul.

Car

Your best bet if you’re hoping to drive to the ground is to get a satellite navigation system and put the address of Vodafone Arena into it.

By air

The Ataturk Airport is just over ten miles from the centre of Istanbul.

Taxi

A taxi from the airport straight to the ground will take about three quarters of an hour and will cost just over 61 Turkish Lira.

Parking Near Vodafone Arena

The stadium is surrounded by main roads, so parking spaces are few and far between. There are 600 spaces within the stadium that are reserved for VIP supporters.

Vodafone Arena Hotels

As one of Turkey’s most popular destinations it’s fair to say that Istanbul has got more than a couple of hotel options. Here are some you might want to consider.

Sed Hotel Istanbul — $40+

Ömer Avni Mah. Besaret Sk. No:14, Ayaspasa, Istanbul, 80040

The Sed Hotel is less than half a mile from the Vodafone Arena and has got two restaurants, a garden, a meeting room and a rooftop terrace with amazing views of the city. There’s also free parking, free Wi-Fi and a free buffet breakfast available.

Mercure Istanbul Taksim — £50+

Omer Avni Mah Inonu Caddesi, No 42 Gumussuyu Beyoglu, Istanbul, 34437

This member of the Mercure chain of hotels has got a restaurant and a bar, a fitness centre and a terrace. There are also meeting rooms available and free Wi-Fi. It’s essentially located in Taksim Square, so it’s just a short walk from here to the stadium.

Avantgarde Hotel Taksim Square — £85+

Mete Cd. No 28, Istanbul, 34437

This four-star hotel is about five minutes from the ground and offers incredible views of the city. There’s a restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre, two meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi.

Pubs & Bars Near Vodafone Arena

Istanbul is a city with a great atmosphere and some fabulous places to get a drink or two. Here are some of our favourites.

Sah Bar

Alemdar Mahallesi Divanyolu Caddesi, İnciliçavuş Çıkmazı Sok. No:9 Sultanahmet, 34112

This terrace bar offers a unique mix of old style Turkish dining and a modern setting. It has got a brilliant view of the Blue Mosque and you’ll often be able to enjoy live music and good DJ sets.

Sultan Pub & Cafe

Alemdar Mh., Divan Yolu Cd. No: 2

The Sultan Bar is an American style eatery with a large garden and a rooftop terrace. There’s delicious food on offer and a good mix of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The Junction Bar

Asmalı Mescit, Oteller Sk. No:3, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

With its great wine selection and terrific menu, The Junction Bar, which is part of The Peak Hotel, is a great place to get a drink or two before you head off to watch any football.

Facilities

The Vodafone Arena is one of the most modern in the world, so the facilities are excellent. The views are great from all around and there are numerous places to get food and drink, too.

Hospitality

There are a host of executive boxes and VIP seating areas in the Vodafone Arena, but the main one is the 1903 Lounge. There’s a panoramic view from the room and your get food as part of your package.

History

The arena was built in the same location as the BJK İnönü Stadium where the club had played their games since their inception. It was originally planned to have just over 41,000 seats but the capacity ended up being 43,500.

The only part of the old ground that wasn’t demolished was The Eski Açık Stand, which couldn’t be knocked down as it is considered to be an historical monument. It is arranged to look like an old-fashioned amphitheatre and the rest of the stadium has been designed to fit alongside it. According to the club the new stadium has been designed to be ‘in harmony with the natural and historic landscape of the Bosphorus’.