Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
Kadıköy, Turkey
Ülker Sports Arena
Ataşehir Turkey
The Ülker Sports and Event Hall (Ülker Spor ve Etkinlik Salonu) is a premier indoor multipurpose arena located in the Ataşehir district of Istanbul, Turkey. Opened in 2012, it is the home of the world-renowned Fenerbahçe Beko men’s basketball team and the Fenerbahçe women’s basketball team. With a seating capacity of 13,000 for basketball and up to 15,000 for concerts, it was the first private arena of its kind in Turkey. Known for its world-class acoustics and high-tech infrastructure, it is widely regarded as one of the most modern basketball « temples » in Europe.
Capacity
13.800
History of the Venue
Inaugurated on January 25, 2012, with a EuroLeague game against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, the arena was built through a partnership between the Fenerbahçe Sports Club and the Ülker Group. It was designed to provide the club with a permanent, elite-level home that met both NBA and EuroLeague standards. Since its opening, it has become a fortress for Fenerbahçe Beko, hosting numerous EuroLeague playoffs and witnessing the rise of the club to the top of European basketball, including their historic 2017 championship run.
Architecture and Design
Designed by the international firm Design Development Group, the arena’s architecture is sleek and functional. It features a unique circular footprint with a massive digital scoreboard hanging over the center of the court—one of the largest in Europe at the time of its installation. The arena includes 44 luxury suites, high-end VIP lounges, and a specialized training facility for the players. Its interior was specifically engineered for basketball, ensuring that the stands are close to the court to create an intimidating « wall of sound. »
Atmosphere and Matchday Experience
The atmosphere inside the Ülker Sports Arena is electric, especially during EuroLeague « Double Action » weeks or the Istanbul derby. The « Yellow Legacy » fans are famous for their coordinated displays and deafening noise that makes communication difficult for visiting teams. The matchday experience is highly professional, featuring a high-definition light show, professional dance teams, and interactive fan zones, bringing a distinct « NBA-style » entertainment feel to the European game.
Location and Accessibility
The arena is located in the modern Ataşehir district on the Asian side of Istanbul.
– By Metro: The M4 Metro line (Kadiköy-Sabiha Gökçen) serves the area; however, the stadium is a short taxi or bus ride away from the « Yenisahra » or « Kozyatağı » stations.
– By Bus: Numerous local bus lines stop near the « Ülker Arena » station, connecting it to Kadiköy and Üsküdar.
– By Car: It is situated near the intersection of the O-2 and O-4 highways, though evening traffic in Ataşehir can be very heavy on matchdays.
Origin of the Name
The venue was named through a long-term sponsorship agreement with the Ülker Group, a cornerstone partner of Fenerbahçe’s basketball operations. While the football stadium recently underwent a naming rights change in 2025, this arena continues to be the flagship of the Ülker-Fenerbahçe basketball partnership. It is often referred to simply as « Ataşehir » by local fans, referencing its role as the dominant landmark in that specific district.
How to get to Ülker Sports Arena
The most common way to reach the arena is to take the M4 Metro line to Yenisahra station and then a quick 5-minute taxi or a local bus (such as the 8A or 13) to the venue. If you are coming from the European side, taking a ferry to Kadiköy and then catching a bus or taxi is the most pleasant route. Be sure to allow extra time for traffic, as Ataşehir is a busy financial district.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
Because the arena was designed specifically for basketball, sightlines are perfect from almost every seat. For the most prestigious experience, the Courtside seats place you literally inches from the action. For a great overall view of the tactical play and the spectacular center-hung scoreboard, the mid-level tiers (Blocks 100-200) are highly recommended. The atmosphere is most intense in the sections behind the baskets, where the most vocal fan groups are located.
Where to eat and drink near Ülker Sports Arena
The arena is located within walking distance of the « Metropol Istanbul » and « Watergarden » malls. Watergarden, in particular, is famous for its « Show Pool » and dozens of restaurants ranging from traditional Turkish kebabs to international fast food. Inside the arena, there are several high-quality food courts and cafes serving popcorn, hot dogs, and soft drinks. Note that, like all sports venues in Turkey, alcohol is not served inside.
Good to know
Tickets for EuroLeague matches often sell out weeks in advance, so it is essential to book via the official Mobilet or Biletix platforms. Security is modern and efficient, but leave large bags behind. A unique tip for this arena: arrive at least 45 minutes early to see the pre-game « Intro Show, » which is widely considered the best in European basketball. Also, the arena temperature is well-regulated, so a light sweater is usually enough even during the winter.
