Ali Sami Yen Stadium (Istanbul)

Ali Sami Yen Stadium is the historic and spiritual home of Galatasaray S.K. While the original, famously atmospheric ground was closed and demolished, its name and spirit live on in Turkish football legend. The club now plays at the modern, purpose-built RAMS Park (formerly Türk Telekom Arena and Nef Stadium), a state-of-the-art facility that strives to capture the intimidating atmosphere of the original ground, earning it the nickname Aslantepe (Lion Hill). This guide covers the history of the original “Hell” and the practical details for visiting its magnificent successor.

History and Design

The original Ali Sami Yen Stadium was officially opened in 1964 in the Mecidiyeköy district of Istanbul and was named after the club’s founder. It became renowned across Europe for its terrifyingly intimidating atmosphere, largely due to its close-to-the-pitch seating and compact design, which focused noise inward. It was the birthplace of the famous “Welcome to Hell” banner, directed at visiting teams.

In 2011, the club moved to the newly constructed Türk Telekom Arena (now RAMS Park).

Modern Construction: RAMS Park was designed by ASP and features a modern, fully covered roof structure to contain sound and maximize atmosphere, directly succeeding the “Welcome to Hell” legacy.
Architecture: The stadium features a robust, enclosed design, utilizing the latest sound and lighting technology to create a truly spectacular matchday experience. It is one of the most acoustically intense stadiums in Europe.
Demolition: The original Ali Sami Yen Stadium was demolished shortly after the club moved to the new location.

Major Events Hosted

The venues (both original and successor) have played a critical role in Turkish and international football history.

Turkish National Team: Both venues have frequently hosted the Turkey national football team for major qualifying and friendly matches.
Turkish Cup Finals: The stadium historically hosted the final frequently, though it has not been a regular venue for the cup decider in recent years.
Concerts: The new stadium has hosted major international acts, including the rock band Bon Jovi, marking it as a premier concert venue in Istanbul.

Key Information

Official Name: RAMS Park (Successor to Ali Sami Yen Stadium)
Location: Sarıyer, Istanbul, Turkey (Aslantepe)
Opened: 2011 (RAMS Park)
Capacity: 52,280 (Football)
Primary Tenant: Galatasaray S.K.
Address: Huzur Mah. Aslantepe Yolu No:6, 34396 Sarıyer/İstanbul

Contents

Getting to Ali Sami Yen Stadium

The stadium is located on the European side of Istanbul, in the Sarıyer district. It is highly accessible via Istanbul’s robust Metro system.

By Air: Istanbul has two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). From either airport, you will need to use a combination of airport buses/taxis to reach the city’s Metro lines for the final leg of the journey.
By Public Transport (Metro): The Metro is the best option on match days.
- Metro Line M2 (Yenikapı-Hacıosman): Take the M2 line and alight at the Seyrantepe station. This station connects directly to the stadium via a pedestrian bridge, offering the fastest and easiest access.
By Taxi/Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available but can face heavy traffic congestion, particularly near the stadium before and after matches.
Parking: On-site parking is extensive but generally reserved for season ticket holders, VIPs, and media. Public transport is strongly recommended for general admission.

Tickets & Tours at Ali Sami Yen Stadium

Tickets (Galatasaray S.K.)

Tickets for Galatasaray S.K. matches can be purchased through the club’s official website and authorised partners. Due to the passion of the fan base, matches, especially derbies against Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş, sell out extremely quickly.

Passolig Card: In Turkish football, all fans are required to have a Passolig Card to purchase tickets. This card must be registered in the fan’s name and is mandatory for entry. Fans must first acquire this card before attempting to buy tickets.
Buying Tickets: Once a Passolig card is secured, tickets are generally purchased through the Passolig platform or the club’s official website.

Tours

Guided stadium tours are available at RAMS Park, offering an inside look at the magnificent venue. The tours typically cover the trophy room (where you can see the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup trophies), the press conference room, the changing rooms, and the pitch.

Booking: Tour information and booking schedules can be found on the official Galatasaray S.K. website. It is advisable to book tours in advance, especially during the season.

Where to Stay Near Ali Sami Yen Stadium

For visitors, there are two primary areas recommended for accommodation, balancing proximity to the stadium with access to Istanbul’s main attractions.

Taksim Square/Beyoğlu: This is the heart of modern Istanbul, offering the best access to nightlife, dining, and historical sites. From Taksim, the M2 Metro line provides a direct connection to the stadium (Seyrantepe station).
- Examples: The CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul (luxury) or The Marmara Taksim (classic, central) are excellent choices that provide easy metro access.
Maslak/Sarıyer (Near the Stadium): Staying in the immediate vicinity offers convenience on match day, but fewer traditional tourist sites. This area is more focused on business and modern residential buildings.
- Example: Hotels like the Sheraton Istanbul Levent offer modern amenities and are strategically located near the M2 line, offering a quick ride to the stadium.
Booking Tips:
- Passolig First: Remember the mandatory Passolig card requirement before arranging match tickets.
- Check Transport: Ensure your hotel has convenient access to the M2 Metro line (Yellow Line), as it is the most efficient way to get to the stadium on event days.
- Use Reputable Sites: Use well-known and trustworthy booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options.