Yud Alef Stadium
Ashdod, Israel
Turner Stadium
Beer Sheva Israel
The Yaakov Turner Toto Stadium, commonly known as Turner Stadium, is the premier football arena in Be’er Sheva and a symbol of the modern sporting renaissance in southern Israel. Serving as the home of Hapoel Be’er Sheva, this 16,126-capacity stadium is renowned for its intense « English-style » atmosphere and steep, covered stands. Since opening in 2015, it has witnessed the club’s historic rise to dominance in the Israeli Premier League and has become a frequent host for international fixtures. For fans visiting the Negev, Turner Stadium offers an intimate and electric matchday experience that has earned it a reputation as one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams in the Middle East.
Par The devious diesel — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Lien
History of the stadium
Turner Stadium was built to provide Hapoel Be’er Sheva with a modern facility that reflected the club’s growing ambitions. It officially opened on September 20, 2015, with a match against Maccabi Haifa, ending a long era at the old, open-bowl Vasermil Stadium. The transition was immediately successful; in their inaugural season at the new ground, Hapoel Be’er Sheva captured the league title, sparking a period of unprecedented domestic and European success. The stadium has since become a fortress for the « Camels, » hosting elite European clubs in the Europa League and serving as a key venue for the Israeli National Team.
Architecture and design
The stadium’s design is inspired by modern British football arenas, featuring four separate, fully covered stands that sit very close to the pitch. This « box » configuration eliminates the distance created by athletics tracks, ensuring that the energy of the crowd is concentrated directly onto the field. The architecture is characterized by its sleek, functional aesthetic and high-tech amenities, including advanced LED video screens and a professional lighting system. The southern stand is particularly significant, as it was named in honor of Arthur Vasermil, preserving a link to the club’s historical home.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
The atmosphere at Turner is famously described as a « pressure cooker. » Because all four stands are covered, the sound of the 16,000 fans is trapped and amplified, creating a deafening wall of noise. The « South Stand » is the heart of the vocal support, where the club’s most passionate ultras lead relentless chanting and display massive choreographies. The matchday experience is intense yet incredibly organized, offering a level of intimacy and fan engagement that is rare in larger, more spread-out stadiums.
Location and accessibility
The stadium is located on the northern edge of Be’er Sheva, part of a larger sports complex that includes the Conch Arena and a training ground. It is situated roughly 4.5 kilometers from the city center and the main train station. While it is a bit of a distance to walk from central areas, the stadium is well-served by local buses (particularly Line 22). On matchdays, the city often operates shuttle services from various neighborhoods and the site of the old Vasermil Stadium to ensure fans can reach the venue smoothly.
Origin of the stadium name
The stadium is named after Yaakov Turner, a former Mayor of Be’er Sheva and a retired Brigadier General in the Israeli Air Force. Turner was a major proponent of the city’s development and sports infrastructure. The « Toto » in the name refers to the Israeli sports betting board, which provided significant funding for the project. By naming the stadium after Turner, the city honored his legacy of leadership and his instrumental role in transforming Be’er Sheva into a modern urban center with a world-class sporting heart.
How to get to Turner Stadium
To reach the stadium from central Be’er Sheva or the main train station, taking a taxi or using bus Line 22 is the most direct option. If you are arriving from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem by train, get off at the Be’er Sheva Center station and look for matchday shuttles or local buses. For those driving, the stadium is easily accessible via Route 40; there is ample parking available around the sports city complex, though it is best to arrive at least an hour before kickoff to secure a spot and avoid traffic near the northern entrance.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
For the most comfortable experience with a perfect « TV-view » of the action, the central sections of the West Stand (where the VIP and media boxes are located) are the best choice. If you want to be part of the legendary atmospheric « core » of the stadium, the South Stand is where the most active supporters stand and sing throughout the match. The North and East stands are excellent for families and fans who want a clear, unobstructed view in a slightly more relaxed environment.
Where to eat and drink near Turner Stadium
The stadium features several modern concession stands serving standard Israeli matchday snacks like pretzels, sunflower seeds, and hot drinks. For a more substantial meal, many fans visit the « Big » shopping center or the various restaurants in the Neve Menachem neighborhood, located a short drive or bus ride away. The city center and the « Old City » of Be’er Sheva also offer a wide range of authentic Middle Eastern « hummusias » and grill houses that are perfect for a post-match dinner.
Good to know
Matches against « The Big Three » (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Maccabi Haifa) are high-intensity fixtures that almost always sell out. Security at Turner is very professional; expect electronic ticket checks and standard bag inspections at all gates. The stadium is fully ADA-compliant, offering excellent access and viewing areas for fans with disabilities. It is worth noting that Be’er Sheva can get quite cold in the winter evenings despite its desert location, so bringing an extra layer for night games is highly recommended.
