The Stadium

A Legend: Sükrü Saracoglu

Mehmet ?ükrü Saraco?lu was a politician and was to be the fifth Prime Minister of Turkey. He was born in 1887 at Odemis. Saracoglu progressed as being a teacher before graduating from foreign faculties. Saraco?lu also became the Minister of Education in 1924. Saracoglu was successful at every area even in politics and was a precious statesman in Turkey. He was also a keen Fenerbahçe supporter and was the president of the club from 1934 to 1950. This made him the longest serving Fenerbahçe president. In 1953, three years after retiring from politics, he sadly died in Istanbul on 27th of December.

The Fenerbahçe Þükrü Saracoðlu Stadium is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s elite football arenas. Fenerbahçe’s huge investments in top quality facilities since President Aziz Yýldýrým’s election has been much appreciated by players and fans alike and the stadium has been the major part in this.The Fenerbahçe Þükrü Saracoðlu Stadium is going through a complete rebuilding process which involves each stand being destructed and rebuilt one after the other. So far, the “Acik” stands (located behind the goals) and “Maraton” stand have been rebuilt. The Numaralý stand will be ready for the 2005-2006 season. Every one of these stands have been built closer to the pitch, getting the fan closer to the action on the field.

This style of stadium has never before existed in Turkey, as the stands are usually separated from the pitch by a running track. The latest stand to have been completed is the Maraton stand. The VIP section can hold 11,000 spectators. This stand includes “Box Offices” which have all been rented out from the club. These Box Offices, equipped with TV’s, Internet, work areas, dining facilities and many other luxuries, are the first of their kind in Turkey. With each the Acik stands having a 10,500 capacity, the current total capacity of the stadium is 52,000. When the whole construction is completed, this will rise to 62,000.

Without a doubt, the Saracoðlu, or commonly referred to as Kadýköy is the best footballing arena.