Ülker Sports Arena
Ataşehir, Turkey
Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
Kadıköy Turkey
The Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, officially known as the Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex, is a legendary football arena located in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul, Turkey. Originally opened in 1908, it is the historic home of Fenerbahçe SK. In July 2025, the venue entered a transformative commercial era, rebranding as the Chobani Stadium following a record-breaking naming rights deal with the global food company founded by Hamdi Ulukaya. With an all-seater capacity of 47,834, it remains a premier European venue known for its intense « English-style » design and electric atmosphere.
Par Anl55400 — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Lien
Capacity
50.530
History of the Venue
The ground sits on a historic site originally known as « Papazın Çayırı » (The Priest’s Meadow), which hosted the very first organized football matches in the Ottoman Empire. Fenerbahçe purchased the stadium in 1929, becoming the first club in Turkey to own its home ground. Between 1999 and 2006, the stadium was completely reconstructed stand-by-stand, allowing the team to continue playing while evolving into the modern, high-capacity bowl it is today.
Architecture and Design
The Chobani Stadium is celebrated for its compact, rectangular architecture that places the fans incredibly close to the pitch. With no running track, the stands rise steeply from the touchlines, maximizing both visibility and acoustic pressure. The facility features four main stands: Fenerium (West), Maraton (East), and the Migros and Spor Toto stands behind the goals. It also boasts 100 executive suites and a state-of-the-art hybrid grass pitch.
Atmosphere and Matchday Experience
The atmosphere in Kadıköy is world-renowned and often described as a « cauldron. » Supporters, known as the « Yellow Canaries » (Sarı Kanaryalar), create a wall of sound that starts hours before kickoff. The matchday experience is deeply tied to the local district, where thousands of fans in yellow and navy blue fill the streets. The most iconic moment is the pre-match rendition of the club anthem, « Fenerbahçe Marşı, » which is sung with a coordination that shakes the entire structure.
Location and Accessibility
Situated in the heart of Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul, the stadium is one of the most accessible in the city:
– Train: Söğütlüçeşme Station (Marmaray line and YHT high-speed trains) is just a 5-minute walk away.
– Metrobus: The Söğütlüçeşme terminal provides a direct high-speed bus link from the European side.
– Ferry: Taking a boat from Eminönü or Karaköy to Kadıköy Pier followed by a 15-minute walk through the market is the traditional « scenic route » for fans.
Origin of the Name
The name Şükrü Saracoğlu honors the club’s legendary president (1934–1950) and former Turkish Prime Minister. Following a decade as the Ülker Stadium (2015–2025), the venue was renamed the Chobani Stadium in July 2025. This 10-year partnership is one of the largest in Turkish sports history, reflecting the club’s global vision and its deep personal connection to Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya, a lifelong Fenerbahçe supporter.
How to get to Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
The most efficient way to reach the stadium is via the Marmaray train or the Metrobus to the Söğütlüçeşme stop. If you are a visitor coming from the European side (Sultanahmet or Taksim), take a ferry to Kadıköy. This allows you to walk through the famous « Çarşı » market area, where the fan pre-match atmosphere is at its most vibrant.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
Due to the steep incline of the stands, there are no obstructed views in the arena. For the best comfort and a tactical view, the central sections of the Maraton or Fenerium stands are the top choices. If you want to experience the most vocal part of the stadium, the stands behind the goals are where the hardcore fan groups create the famous atmosphere, though spectators here usually remain standing for the entire 90 minutes.
Where to eat and drink near Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
Kadıköy is a culinary capital. Before the game, head to the « Balık Pazarı » (Fish Market) for street food like « Midye Dolma » (stuffed mussels) or « Lahmacun. » Inside the stadium, kiosks sell traditional snacks such as Simit (sesame bread), grilled meatballs, and soft drinks. Note that alcohol is not sold inside Turkish stadiums, so fans typically frequent the bars in the Moda or Çarşı districts before entering the gates.
Good to know
Attending a match in Turkey requires a « Passolig » digital card and a valid ticket assigned to it. Security is comprehensive, so arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff. Be sure to visit the Fenerbahçe Museum located in the Fenerium stand to see the club’s historic trophies. Also, for major derbies against Galatasaray or Beşiktaş, strictly follow local fan segregation rules, as visiting supporters are often subject to specific entry protocols or restrictions.
