Between 1921 and 1939, Galatasaray and the two other major football clubs of Istanbul, Beşiktaş JK and Fenerbahçe SK, played their matches at the historic Taksim Stadium[1] on Taksim Square, which was located inside the courtyard of the Ottoman era Taksim Artillery Barracks (Taksim Topçu Kışlası) built by Sultan Abdülmecid I in the 1840s; the surrounding walls of which were transformed into tribunes. Taksim Stadium was demolished in 1939 and was replaced with the present-day Taksim Park (Taksim Gezi Parkı) in the 1940s and 1950s. As a result, the major football teams of Istanbul had to find a new stadium to play their matches. Galatasaray Sports Club decided to build a large, modern stadium, and construction works began in 1943. Due to the difficulties faced during the World War II years, only a small stadium could initially be built, which was opened in 1945. However, construction works continued on the site and the current stadium was completed in 1964.
Ali Sami Yen Stadium was inaugurated on December 14, 1964, with a friendly game between Turkey and Bulgaria. Unfortunately, tragedy struck during the opening match: in one of the stands many people fell onto the first floor, which caused numerous injuries, but luckily none of them were fatal. Spotlights were added to the stadium in 1965, and night games began to be played (the lighting system was renovated in 1993). The stadium is made up of 2 identical lateral stands which are covered by a roof: the Numaralı (Numbered) stand, where the TV cameras are located; and the Kapalı (Covered) stand, where the most fanatical team supporters usually view the games. The two other stands, behind the goal gates, are the Yeni Açık (New Open), with 2 tiers, and the Eski Açık (Old Open), with the electronic scoreboard.
Sami Yen is considered as one of the worst stadiums in Europe for visiting teams. The stadium is called "Cehennem (Hell)" by the visiting fans. Every match begins with the fans' "Scarf show" during the Warchant. There are always at least two large banners saying "Welcome to Hell."
The New Ali Sami Yen Stadium, also known as the Aslantepe Arena, is under construction in the Seyrantepe (Seyran Hill) neighbourhood (renamed as Aslantepe (Lion Hill) by the Municipality of Şişlias a gesture for Galatasaray, whose mascot is the Lion), near the Maslak financial district. The stadium's project was introduced to the Turkish press on May 11, 2007.[2] It will have a fully retractable roof and a seating capacity for 52,647 spectators, excluding the seats of the VIP lounges. The stadium will also have its own metro station. Construction works are scheduled to be completed in 23 months.
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