A Brief History of Besiktas Vodafone Park
Besiktas Vodafone Park, now referred to in this article with its current title context as Tupras Stadium, stands on the site of the former BJK İnönü Stadium in Beşiktaş. The original stadium was inaugurated on 3 November 1947 by Turkey’s then-president İsmet İnönü, who was also a Beşiktaş fan. Its initial capacity was 16,000. In 1952, it was renamed Mithat Paşa Stadium, and this change was reversed in 1973. Because of its unique location, the stadium had legal status as a historical monument protected by the Turkish High Council of Monuments, one of the reasons the renewal project was postponed several times between 2004 and 2013.
A stadium built in 1947 eventually needed to be rebuilt. The first attempts to secure the necessary permissions began in 2004, but delays meant the renewal project only started in 2013. The old İnönü Stadium was demolished and the new stadium was built in its place. Tupras became the name sponsor of Beşiktaş for 3 seasons, and letters from fans were buried in the foundation as a message of love for the arena.
Construction of the new stadium was completed in 2016. It was inaugurated on 10 April, and the first match was played the following day between Beşiktaş and Bursaspor, with Beşiktaş winning 3-2. The 2019 UEFA Super Cup final was also played here on 14 August 2019, with Liverpool winning 5-4 on penalties.
About Besiktas Vodafone Park
Tupras Stadium cost around $110 million and has the technical features to match that scale. Tupras Stadium's capacity is 41,903 viewers. The venue includes 147 suites, 1,847 suite seats, 350 VIP parking areas, 2,100 VIP seats, 600 standard parking areas, 81 handicap seats and 81 companion seats, an underfloor heating system, a SISAIR Underfloor Ventilation and Vacuum Drainage System, a roof, and a C90 field of view.
Beşiktaş states that the stadium was designed as a multi-purpose venue. In addition to football matches, it is intended to host concerts and other events.
According to the Tupras Stadium Istanbul seating plan, there are 30 blocks on the upper floor of the tribune in addition to a press tribune. On the lower floor, there are 24 standard blocks and one VIP block. There are 25 different doors leading to different blocks of the tribunes. While the answer to “How is the Tupras Stadium view from my seat?” depends on where you sit, the stadium’s C90 field-of-view design helps avoid blocked sightlines. If you are choosing seats for a match, blocks 403-428 and 413-418 on the upper floor, and blocks 113-118 and 103-124 on the lower floor, are described as offering some of the best angles.
In addition to the pitch and stands, the stadium also houses the Beşiktaş JK Museum, a Beşiktaş Shop, and a Vodafone Mobile Center.
Where Is Besiktas Vodafone Park?
Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey is located in the Beşiktaş district, one of the city’s most popular areas. It stands on Dolmabahçe Street near Dolmabahce Palace, and it is also close to Taksim Square and Galata Tower. This central location makes it easy to combine a stadium visit with sightseeing.
There are several convenient ways to reach the stadium:
- From the Anatolian Side, take a Beşiktaş ferry from Kadıköy or Üsküdar. After getting off at the Beşiktaş dock, the stadium is about a 5-minute walk.
- From the European Side, take the Bağcılar–Kabataş tram and get off at Kabataş. From there, it is about a 5-minute walk.
- Buses 27E, 27SE, 29C, 29D, and 41E also go to Kabataş.
- From Taksim, you can take the funicular to Kabataş.
For current public transport details, it is wise to check official sources such as Metro Istanbul before you go.
Visiting Tupras Stadium
If you want to buy Tupras Stadium tickets for a match, buying online is the best way to avoid missing out before tickets sell out.
For a Tupras Stadium tour, the visiting hours listed are from 10 AM to 5.30 PM every day. Admission fees are stated as 50 Turkish Liras for adults, 30 Turkish Liras for children aged 6-14, students, seniors over 65, or groups of at least 10 visitors per adult, and free for children under 6, holders of press, FIFA, TFA, disabled people, and their companions. The tour includes a guided visit to the stadium, a photo session with current and former Beşiktaş stars, a certificate of participation, and an optional visit to the Beşiktaş JK Museum. As prices and hours may change, check the official site or current venue sources before visiting.
The Beşiktaş JK Museum has different rules. It is closed on Mondays, on the first day of religious holidays, and on New Year’s Day. Visiting hours are listed as 10 AM to 6 PM during October-May and 10 AM to 7 PM during May-September. Admission fees are stated as 25 Turkish Liras for adults, 15 Turkish Liras for children aged 6-14, students, teachers, and seniors over 65, and free for children under 6, holders of a Free Press Pass, FFA, TFF, ICOM, MMKD cardholders, and disabled people. The museum is also open to dogs. To tour the museum as a group with a guide, a reservation is needed between 10 AM and 5 PM on any day except Monday and Sunday. For broader historical context on the stadium, you can also consult Wikipedia.
What to See Nearby
One of the biggest advantages of visiting the stadium is its location. Since it is near Dolmabahce Palace and within easy reach of central districts, you can easily continue your day in Beşiktaş, Kabataş, or around Taksim Square. This makes the stadium a practical stop even for travelers who are not attending a match.
FAQ
What is the former name of Besiktas Vodafone Park?
The stadium stands on the site of BJK İnönü Stadium, which opened in 1947. It was also known as Mithat Paşa Stadium between 1952 and 1973 before returning to the İnönü name in later years.
How do I get to the stadium by public transport?
You can reach the stadium by ferry to Beşiktaş, tram to Kabataş, several bus lines serving Kabataş, or the funicular from Taksim to Kabataş. From both Beşiktaş dock and Kabataş, the walk is short.
Can you visit the stadium without attending a match?
Yes. The article states that stadium tours are available, and these include a guided visit, a photo session, and a certificate of participation. There is also an optional visit to the Beşiktaş JK Museum.
What is inside the stadium besides the football pitch?
Besides the pitch and tribunes, the stadium complex includes the Beşiktaş JK Museum, a Beşiktaş Shop, and a Vodafone Mobile Center. It was also designed as a multi-purpose venue for concerts and other events.
Is the Beşiktaş JK Museum open every day?
No. The museum is closed on Mondays, on the first day of religious holidays, and on New Year’s Day. Group guided visits require a reservation and are available on days other than Monday and Sunday.
