stadium tour galatasaray

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Galatasaray SK Stadium

Football is without a doubt the most well-known sport in turkey. whether they enjoy the sport or not, almost everyone in the nation is a fan of one football team. there are many different football teams

A Brief History Of Galatasaray SK Stadium

Galatasaray struggled the most in terms of finding a stadium out of the main three in the middle of the twentieth century. Fenerbahçe erected the Fenerbahce Stadium after the Taksim Stadium was destroyed in 1940, while Besiktas relocated into the Seref Stadium before building their BJK Inonu Stadium a few years later. Ali Haydar Barşal, the president of Galatasaray at the time, and the government agreed to share a tiny plot of land outside of Mecidiyekoy in 1933. The building began in 1936, but despite Adnan Menderes, the president of the Turkish Sports Organization at the time, providing financial support, work had to be suspended due to budgetary constraints.

Under Tevfik Ali Cnar's presidency, the same land was leased to Galatasaray once more in 1940. But on top of the fact that a second World War was taking place, they encountered the same financial issues once more. To swiftly address this issue, Osman Dardagan constructed a modest stadium with a small tribune in Mecidiyekoy, which was given the name Ali Sami Yen Stadium in honor of the club's founder. However, the stadium remained unused for a considerable amount of time due to its remote position and the terrible weather in the area.

After Besiktas completed construction of the Inonu Stadium in 1947, Galatasaray halted work on the stadium in Mecidiyekoy and played there for a short while. Following more financial issues on Galatasaray's end, the physical education general directorate took up the development of the Mecidiyekoy stadium. When the building process was completed in 1961, the Physical Education General Directorate gave Galatasaray complete access to the stadium.

Galatasaray, however, continued to experience ill luck even on the opening day, December 20, 1964. One of the tribunes collapsed under the stadium's excessive crowding, killing one person and injuring 84 others. Galatasaray abandoned the Mecidiyekoy Stadium once more in 1972 and played in the Inonu Stadium until 1981 after Besiktas resumed using it.

The stadium was reopened in 1981, then in 1993, new seats were installed and the lighting system was upgraded. Galatasaray made plans to replace the Ali Sami Yen Stadium with a new stadium public in 1997. The club started this initiative in 1998, but they were unable to secure the required approvals from the mayor and the state. Despite making a second attempt in 2001 with an improved cost-cutting strategy, the club was unable to secure the required funding due to the 2001 financial crisis.

Also, this time, starting around 1990, Ali Sami Yen Stadium earned the infamous moniker "Galatasaray Stadium of Hell." During games, Galatasaray supporters were infamous for making a lot of noise and lighting hundreds of flares, which created a terrible environment and gave the impression that the stadium was on fire. Numerous signs reading "Welcome to Hell" would be displayed to put the other squad under strain. On the center area of the covered tribune, they had a renowned "Welcome to Ali Sami Yen Hell" poster, but the team was forced to take it down after receiving a warning from UEFA in 2000. According to Setanta Sports, Ali Sami Yen is the fourth-best stadium in the world for atmosphere.

Similar financial issues led to a deal with Galatasaray and the government. Since Mecidiyekoy was now a part of the city center, the state suggested Seyrantepe as an alternative site for Galatasaray's new stadium out of concern over future traffic bottlenecks. Galatasaray put all of its energy into the brand-new Seyrantepe project, which was shortly renamed Aslantepe.

The building process began in 2007 and was completed in 2011. Turk Telekom Arena was picked as the name for the new Galatasaray Stadium, which was changed to Galatasaray Football Stadium.

Rams Global Stadium was about $200 million in price. There are 52,650 seats available for spectators, a 4-story tribune system, 176 seats for the disabled and their companions, 33 buffets, 198 suites, 6,231 VIP seats, and 6 Galatasaray stores, 2,900 VIP parking spaces, and a 350-seat restaurant.

In Turkey, it is the first and only stadium that satisfies the 2016 UEFA standards. After Ataturk Olympic Stadium, it is also the largest stadium in the nation.

Visiting Rams Global Stadium

A Passolig card is necessary to watch any football match in Turkey, thus if you want to get Galatasaray Stadium tickets, you must first have one. After receiving your card, you can save time by purchasing your tickets online.

You have three options for purchasing tickets for the Galatasaray Stadium tour: online, at the stadium's ticket booths, or with a guide. The museum tour, the movie, and the stadium tour are all included in the Galatasaray Stadium Tour. On all days other than Mondays, days of indoor athletic competition, and the first days of religious holidays, the museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Visitors aged 0 to 6 years old are admitted free of charge, while adults must pay an entrance fee of 200 Turkish Liras.

Frequently Asked Question

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Fenerbahce Stadium

It is known about turkish people their extreme love to football or soccer as american call it, especially in istanbul. people there are crazy about their loved teams in a way that you may find a fan who is ready to kill for his favorite football team one of the most famous football teams in turkey is fenerbahce, its fans are insane about it especially when the derby against galatasaray team is on, sometimes the situation goes wild and both security and police interfere to stop the violence.

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Istanbul city is well known to be one of the most important cities in terms of trade, this importance comes from its geographic location on the international silk road which was the main road for trade in earlier centuries. from that time until now, istanbul city is an attractive city for shopping lovers, some people even call it the shopping heaven because it is relatively cheap compared to other countries and offer literally all quality standards bad, medium, and high quality products.

Did you come to Turkey primarily to tour Istanbul? Or do you want to visit other Turkish destinations as well? Istanbul is a fantastic tourist destination in and of itself.

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Türk Telekom Stadium - Galatasaray Stadium Guide

Home » Turkey » Türk Telekom Stadium

By Football Tripper Last Updated: September 4, 2021

Table of Contents

Stadium facts.

• Galatasaray S.K.
• Seating Plan
• Stadium Tours
• Ticket Information

Airports and Flying

Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi A.K.A Türk Telekom Arena is the new stadium of famous Turkish football team, Galatasaray S.K.

Opened in 2011, with a capacity of 52,650 the ground cost a reported $250 million and holds the distinction of being the only suitable Turkish stadium for hosting matches of the UEFA Euro 2020 Championships.

Galatasaray Stadium Guide

Türk telekom stadium history.

Galatasaray’s Türk Telekom Arena was built over a four year period between 2007 – 2011 in order to replace the ageing Ali Sami Yen Stadium which was named in tribute to the club’s founder.

Plans to build a brand new stadium in Istanbul date as far back as 1997 when Gala employed a Canadian architectural firm to design a state-of-the-art ground but troubling economic times in 2001 and again in 2008 put the brakes on the project as the Turkish club couldn’t raise the necessary capital.

As a short term solution parts of Ali Sami Ye were renovated during the 2004-2005 season with the old Open Tribune demolished and rebuilt a season after due to safety concerns.

Recognizing the need for a more sustainable course of action, Galatasaray negotiated with the local council to hand over the property and land of the former stadium in exchange for a new plot of land in Aslantepe complete with permission to build the new stadium.

With Gala now securing the required finances the project was given the greenlight and the 52,652 all-seater stadium and ground was broke on the 13th December 2007.

Said to be by Schalke’s Veltins Arena , the ground was constructed under the working title of Aslantepe which means Lion Hill after the symbol of Galatasaray, with the naming rights eventually sold to Türk Telekom on a 10 year deal worth over $100 million during the 2010/2011 season.

The Ali Sami Yen Stadium had earned the nickname of “Hell” amongst football fans, and the new Türk Telekom Arena certainly maintains its predecessors fierce reputation.

In 2011 Galatasaray’s ground recorded a noise level of 131.76 decibels which was a Guinness World record for “loudest crowd roar at a sport stadium” until this record was beaten two years later at Century Link Field for an NFL game.

The record attendance to date was 52,044 against Real Madrid during a 2013 Champions League match.

View of Türk Telekom Stadium

Galatasaray S.K. Info

Türk telekom stadium seating plan.

Below is a seating plan of Galatasaray's Türk Telekom Stadium:

Stand Photos

The Türk Telekom Arena is comprised of four stands: North, East, South and West.

Click the thumbnails above to enlarge an image of each stand and to read a more detailed description of each part of the Stadium.

Matchday Experience

Türk telekom stadium away section.

Away fans are housed within the top-tier of the south-east corner within sections 418, 419, 420 and 421. The away allocation for Arsenal’s Champions League match back in December 2014 was 2,456. Access is available via gates G11 and G12 at the back of the east stand.

Best Pubs near ground

There’s not really anywhere to drink once you get to the stadium with many fans choosing to stay in the Beyoglu area and its bars before getting on the metro.

Galatasaray Club Shop

Galatasaray’s club shop at the stadium spans over 1,650m² across two floors, and with the exception of the online GS Store, is the definitive place to purchase official merchandise of the Cim-Bom.

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Sunday: 10.00 am – 7.30 pm
• Matchdays: At least a few hours before kick-off.

Can you take a stadium Tour?

Much to the disappointment of football fans worldwide it doesn’t appear as if Galatasaray currently offer fans the chance to undertake a stadium tour of the new facilities in Istanbul. If this changes in the future we will be sure to update this section.

How to buy Galatasaray Tickets

Tickets to see Galatasary are usually quite hard to obtain due to the popularity of the club. With over 40,000 season ticket holders this leaves around 12,000 tickets theoretically for sale, but by the time they become available on general sale there’s likely to be a thousand available at most.

Galatasary lack their own online booking facility which means the tickets are often listed on reseller websites which can certainly murky the water when trying to find a reasonable price. The fact that tickets are only listed online in the week leading up to the match certainly doesn’t help Football Tripper plan their visit to the Turk Telekom Arena.

The ticket office usually opens around 2 and a half hours before kick-off and in the days leading up to the match. As tickets do sell out quickly you might have to utilise the service of ticket tours around the ground!

Expect to pay no more than 100.00 TRY which is about 33.5 euros for an average seat.

How to get to Türk Telekom Stadium

Where is türk telekom stadium.

Türk Telekom Arena sits just over 12km north of Istanbul’s historic centre, close to the business districts of Levant and Maslak which are within the European side of the city.

The stadium address for satnav is as follows:

• Türk Telekom Arena Stadyumu, ?stanbul, Turkey

Situated out of town there are four large multi-story car-parks available for supporters to use which equate to around 3,225 spaces in total.

Train - Public Transport

The main railway station connecting Istanbul to the rest of Europe is Sirkeci which sits on the western side of the city. As its over 16km away it’s not very practical when travelling directly to Gala’s stadium however.

Public Transport of Türk Telekom Stadium

Like other major European capitals, Istanbul’s metro system is arguably the easiest form of public transport to take when exploring the city. It is certainly the easiest way to travel to the Turk Telekom Arena with metro stop Seyrantepe the closest to the ground.

Located on the Green Metro Line 2 it’s probably easiest if you get on at either at the start at ?i?hane or the next stop along at Taksim.

Istanbul Atatürk Airport sits approximately 22km west of the city centre, and is the largest airport in Turkey with numerous international flight carriers flying in and out of Europe. There is also the smaller Sabiha Gökçen Airport which sits further away.

Upon landing you can either catch the metro (light rail) into the city centre, or one of the express bus services known as “Havata?” which depart every half an hour between 4.00 am – 12.00 am daily.

Hotels Near Türk Telekom Stadium

Located next to the large E-80 motorway hotels close to Galatasaray’s stadium are practically non-existent which means you’re better off looking back towards the start of the metro line. Three hotels worth looking at are Taksim Star, The Paradise Hoel and Chillout Cengo Hostel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays at türk telekom stadium.

Turkish side Galatasaray play their home matches at Türk Telekom Stadium.

What is the capacity of Türk Telekom Stadium?

As of 2024 Türk Telekom Stadium has an official seating capacity of 52,650 for Football matches.

When was Türk Telekom Stadium opened?

Türk Telekom Stadium officially opened in 2011 and is home to Galatasaray

What is the postcode for Türk Telekom Stadium?

The postcode for Türk Telekom Stadium is 34396.

Are there any Covid restrictions at the stadium?

Covid Restrictions may be in place when you visit Türk Telekom Stadium in 2024. Please visit the official website of Galatasaray for full information on changes due to the Coronavirus.

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Turk Telekom Stadium

Turk Telekom Stadium (TT Stadium for short), or Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex Türk Telekom Stadium The multi-purpose stadium located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul hosts Galatasaray’s indoor football matches.

Turk Telekom Stadium is the first stadium to feature a viewing angle of C90 in Turkey. Total 52 223 seat stadium with the capacity after the Atatürk Olympic Stadium is Turkey’s second largest in terms of spectator capacity stadium.

The project, which first came to the agenda in 1996 but could not be realized due to various problems and was subsequently relocated, was laid on 13 December 2007. Türk Telekom Stadium, built on a 120-acre hill, was opened on January 15, 2011. Türk Telekom has been the name sponsor of the stadium for 10 years starting from the second half of 2010-11 season.

Turk Telekom Stadium has a total of 198 lodges and more than 4500 VIP seats. The match between Galatasaray and Beşiktaş, played in the league on May 5, 2019, followed by 51,578 spectators, was the highest spectator match in the history of the stadium.

The stadium hosted some organizations as well as Galatasaray’s home matches. In addition to the group and second round matches of the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup event, the final competition of the tournament was played at this stadium. Turkey national football team plays its home games here from time to time.

Apart from football matches, the stadium hosted various celebrations and events with concert organizations.

Galatasaray Stadium Museum, which presents legends, trophies, achievements and memories together in the history of the club, is waiting for the fans in the VIP West 5 area.

Entry tickets for the museum, which can be visited every day between 10: 00-17: 00 except Monday, indoor match days and the first days of religious holidays, can be purchased through Biletix.com or Türk Telekom Stadium.

Full entrance fee is 35 TL, student entrance fee is 20 TL, and visitors between 0-6 years old can visit the museum for free. Ticket prices include museum visit, short film and stadium tour, and you can call 444 1905 for detailed information.

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Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium: Galatasaray

Myviki [ CC BY-SA 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

When Manchester United travelled to play Galatasaray in the Champions League in 1993, they arrived to be greeted by a number of banners, the most famous of which declared ‘Welcome To Hell’. That is the image that many English fans have of the Turkish club’s stadium, which is often vociferous in its support of the home team and violently opposed to the idea of the away team doing well. It is, to coin a phrase, famous for its intimidating atmosphere. Of course, the Nef Stadium wasn’t the venue United had to travel to, given that it was only opened in 2011, called the Turk Telekom Stadium from that year until 2021.

Not that any of that means it’s all that much less intimidating for visiting supporters, of course. Galatasaray might not be the same force that they were in the past, but they are still good enough to mean that few teams are excited about drawing them in the Champions League or Europa League. Indeed, they are the most successful team in Turkey and are one of just three sides that has taken part in the Süper Lig every season since its creation in 1959. In 2000 they became the only Turkish club to date to win a major UEFA trophy when they lifted both the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium Photos

Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium Seating Plan and Where to Sit

As with most modern arenas, the Nef Stadium is built in a bowl style of continuous seating. There are three tiers throughout, apart from in the Kuzey Tribünü behind the northern goal that has four tiers. The two stand that run along the side of the pitch, the Bati and the Dogu, contain the VIP seating areas. The Güney Tribünü stands opposite the Kuzey behind the southern goal.

Galatasaray Ticket Prices

If you’re hoping to go and watch Galatasaray play then you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got a Passolig card, which can be pre-paid for in advance by visiting the company’s website. Prices differ depending on the competition you’ll be watching and the level of opposition, but you can expect to pay around 100 Turkish lira for a ‘cheap’ ticket and in the region of 650 lira for a more expensive one. The tickets are categorised based on where in the ground they’re located.

How To Get Galatasaray Tickets

The best place to start is by heading online. Unless the match is in the Champions League or against one of the club’s most fierce rivals the chances of the stadium selling out are slim, so you can also buy tickets at the stadium. You’ll still need a Passolig card, though.

Where to Buy

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Getting To Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium

Train – Getting a train from London to Istanbul would take about 4 days, so you’re probably getting to Turkey by some other means. Once you’re there, though, the train is a convenient way to make it to the ground. Seyrantepe is the closest stop and is on metro line 2.

Bus – There are a number of buses that stop close to the stadium, including bus numbers 41Y, 47L and D3.

Car – E80 is the main road that runs closest to the ground, so that’s the one that you’ll want to get on before looking for signposts.

By Air – There are two airports that serve Istanbul: Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The latter is the closest geographically, but the former has a direct train into the centre of the city, making it the more favourable for those of you flying in to watch a football match.

Taxi – A taxi from Taksim square to the stadium will cost you around 50 Turkish lira and take about half an hour to complete its journey.

Parking Near Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium

There is some parking close to the Nef Stadium, but unless you’re a confident driver you’re probably best avoiding driving there and getting to the ground by some other means.

• See Available Parking Near Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium

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Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium Hotels

The And Hotel - £50+

Mood Hotel Istanbul - £60+

Hilton Istanbul Maslak - £90+

Pubs and bars near ali sami yen spor kompleksi stadium, the junction pub, u2 i̇stanbul i̇rish pub, james joyce irish pub.

Having only opened its doors in 2011, it’s fair to say that the Nef Stadium’s facilities are amongst the best in Turkey.

Hospitality

The two sides of the ground that run along the pitch are the ones that contain the VIP areas, so if you’re hoping to watch the match in style then that’s where you’ll be heading.

Private Hire

If hiring part of the stadium is something that you’re interested in then your best bet is to get in touch with the venue directly when you’re in Istanbul.

Stadium Tours & Museum

Tours of the stadium are available between Tuesday and Sunday and take you into the trophy room, the dressing rooms and other exciting areas that would otherwise be closed off to match going fans. There is also a museum on site that you can have a look around even if you don’t want to do the tour.

About Galatasaray

Galatasaray Spor Kulübü, better known in English as Galatasaray Sports Club, was formed in 1905 by Ali Sami Yen and other students that were attending Galatasaray High School. There were discussions amongst them all about the name that should be given to the the new club, with both the Turkish words for victory and courage considered, before the name of the school itself was decided upon. At the time the club was formed there were no other Turkish football clubs, so the side joined the Istanbul League that was mostly made up of Greek and English teams. They won their first title at the end of the 1908-1908 campaign, kick-starting the success that would allow them to dominate Turkish football.

When the Turkish Süper Lig was formed in 1959, as the ürkiye Profesyonel 1. Ligi, Galatasaray was one of the founding clubs. The same is true of when the Turkish Cup began to be organised during the 1962-1963 season. Despite being the oldest and most successful club in Turkey, Galatasaray’s true golden period came towards the end of the 1990s. That was when their then-ground, Ali Sami Yen Stadı, was dubbed ‘hell’ by the home supporters and it helped them to win the UEFA Cup, the first competition organised by UEFA that was won by a Turkish team. Since 1992 the fans sing the last section of the song ‘I Will Survive’ by the Hermes House Band, swinging their scarves around at the same time.

Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi Stadium History

It’s entirely reasonable to say that the Nef Stadium lacks the history of the Ali Sami Yen Stadı, given that it only opened its doors in 2011. Yet it’s the crowd that gives Galatasaray’s home its intimidating atmosphere, so in that way it’s no more pleasant to travel to from an away supporter’s point of view. One thing that is a bit nicer is the general facilities on offer, which are top-of-the-range. The official name of the venue is the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi – Nef Stadyumu, being part of the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex as it is. The ground was the first in the country to meet the UEFA requirements to be used as a venue for UEFA tournaments such as the European Championship.

Construction on the stadium began in 2007 and took four years to be completed, but when it was opened it was nominated for the Venue of the Year and New Venue awards at the Stadium Business Awards event. Türk Telekom bought the naming rights to the stadium for a decade after it opened, promising to pay around £10 million per year for the honour. As proof of the fact that the move to the new venue didn’t change much for Galatasaray, the club won the Süper Lig at the end of their first season at the Nef Stadium. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan turned up to open the stadium for the first time, with his appearance being marred by protests from spectators who weren’t pleased with his politics.

Future Developments

Being such a modern stadium, there are no immediate plans for develop the Nef Stadium itself, though it’s more than possible that changes to the surrounding areas will be carried out. It’s also worth noting that small alterations are possible, such as in 2018 when the pitch was re-laid to improve its quality.

Galatasaray Turk Telekom Arena Stadium

Home Istanbul Istanbul Stadium Galatasaray Turk Telekom Arena Stadium

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• $PAdres$ Seyrantepe, Sisli, Istanbul

Galatasaray Turk Telekom Arena

Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi - Türk Telekom Arena is a multi-purpose stadium in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is the new home ground for Galatasaray S.K., replacing the old Ali Sami Yen Stadium. The all-seater stadium has the capacity to host 52,652 spectators during football games. On March 18, 2011, it recorded 131.76 decibels which was considered to be the world record for "loudest crowd roar at a sport stadium" in Guinness World Records The record has been raised by NFL American football games starting with September 15, 2013 at CenturyLink Field in a Seattle Seahawks game that reached 136.6 decibels;on October 13, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in a Kansas City Chiefs game that reached 137.5 dB, again at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2013, with 137.6 decibels;and most recently reclaimed by Arrow

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• Sports Venues

Galatasaray SK Stadium

• 14/06/2023 13:48

Welcome to Istanbul , a city known for its rich history , vibrant culture, and passionate football fans. Among the many iconic landmarks in this mesmerizing city, one that stands out for sports enthusiasts is Galatasaray SK Stadium. Also known as Turk Telekom Arena, this Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Galatasaray fans and has witnessed countless memorable moments throughout its history. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the significance and allure of This Stadium.

The Legendary Galatasaray Club

Galatasaray SK, founded in 1905, is one of Turkey’s oldest and most successful sports clubs. With a rich tradition and a passionate fan base, Galatasaray has become synonymous with Turkish football excellence. The club’s home stadium is the beating heart of this beloved football institution.

A Modern Icon in Istanbul

This Stadium in the Seyrantepe district of Istanbul is a true architectural marvel. The Stadium’s construction was completed in 2011, introducing a state-of-the-art sporting facility to the city. Its sleek and modern design reflects the club’s ambitions and commitment to excellence.

Galatasaray SK Stadium on Match Days

When Galatasaray SK takes the field at their home stadium, the atmosphere is nothing short of electric. The passionate chants, the sea of red and yellow, and the unwavering support from the fans create an unforgettable experience. If you can attend a match, be prepared to be swept away by the sheer energy and enthusiasm that fills the Stadium.

Galatasaray SK Stadium Capacity and Amenities

This Stadium has a seating capacity 52,650, providing ample space for fans to come together and cheer for their beloved team. The Stadium has modern amenities, including VIP seats, ensuring spectators a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Its strategic location allows easy access via the city’s metro system.

Beyond Football: Stadium Tours

Even if you cannot catch a match, you can still experience the magic of Galatasaray SK Stadium through guided stadium tours. Explore the inner workings of this iconic venue, visit the team’s locker rooms, and walk through the corridors that have witnessed historic moments. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the club’s rich history and gain a deeper understanding of its significance to Turkish football.

Galatasaray SK Stadium Conclusion

This Stadium, or Turk Telekom Arena, is more than just a football stadium; it symbolizes pride, passion, and sporting excellence. Whether you’re a die-hard Galatasaray fan or a sports enthusiast visiting Istanbul, a trip to this iconic Stadium is a must. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere, marvel at its modern design, and connect with the rich history of one of Turkey’s most revered football clubs.

Galatasaray SK Stadium FAQs:

How can i get to galatasaray sk stadium.

The stadium is conveniently located in Istanbul's Seyrantepe district and can be easily accessed via the city's metro system.

Can I visit Galatasaray SK Stadium even if there are no matches scheduled?

Guided stadium tours allow visitors to explore the stadium, including the team's locker rooms and other behind-the-scenes areas.

What are some other amenities available at Galatasaray SK Stadium?

The stadium offers VIP seats for a premium viewing experience and is equipped with modern facilities to ensure the comfort of spectators.

Is Galatasaray SK Stadium a historic landmark in Istanbul?

Galatasaray SK Stadium is significant in Istanbul's sporting history, being home to one of Turkey's oldest and most successful football clubs.

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• DIRECTIONAL AND TECHNICAL STAFF

Ali Sami Yen Stadium

In Istanbul, football was played for the first time by the British in a place called the Papazın Çayırı, where the current Fenerbahçe Stadium is now located. With the opening of Taksim Stadium in 1919, the new venue became the new center of football.

In 1939, within the scope of urban arrangement, the historical barracks including Taksim Stadium was demolished. Thus, there was not a stadium anymore. In this process, Fenerbahçe took the ownership of the land of the Papazın Çayırı and built Fenerbahçe Stadium there. Beşiktaş was transferred to the Şeref Stadium at the site of the current Çıragan Palace. In the same period, Galatasaray suffered most about the matter, without a stadium of its own to play matches.

The first step to overcome this problem was taken in the early 30s. The first attempt was made by Ali Haydar Barşal, the club chairman of the time, in 1933 to buy a mulberry land in Mecidiyeköy to Galatasaray.

As a result of negotiations with the state authorities between 1933-35, a land in Mecidiyeköy located outside the city was allocated for the stadium to be built for Galatasaray. In 1936, the excavation of the land began. Galatasaray received financial aid for this work from Adnan Menderes, the chairman of Turkish Sports Association of the time. However, the construction work stopped during the excavation stage.

In 1940, during the term of chairman Tevfik Ali Çınar, the subject of the stadium came up again. The same land was rented to Galatasaray for 30 years, symbolically for 1 Turkish lira per year. The right to use the land was officially owned by Galatasaray. Galatasaray gave guarantees to build a modern stadium and a bicycle velodrome when the land was rented.

However, construction could not be started due to lack of financial means and World War II. In 1943, the construction of a modest stadium that was needed started under the chairmanship of Osman Dardağan.

The stadium was opened in 1945 during the term of chairman Muslihittin Peykoğlu with the construction of a small tribune and a ground floor.

However, it was not possible to play football for a long time at the location because of the distance to the city center, transportation difficulties and very strong winds.

At the same time, with the opening of İnönü Stadium in the city center, Galatasaray left this stadium in Mecidiyeköy while stadium construction project was also failing once again. In 1955, the right to use agreement was extended until 2007, adding 30 more years to the remaining 22 years in the contract.

The General Directorate of Physical Education took over the job to fulfill the guarantees given for the stadium by the club. In 1959, construction began. During the term of chairman Refik Selimoğlu in 1961, a new agreement was made with the General Directorate of Physical Education and the using right of the stadium, which was being constructed, was given to Galatasaray.

Stadium opened on December 20, 1964 eventually. As a result of panic in the stands due to overcrowding during the opening ceremony, a person was killed and 80 people were injured.

The stadium had an operating lighting system in 1965. However, not many night games were played.

İnönü Stadium was used again in the early 1970s and stadium was abandoned for a while.

In the 70s, it was mostly used by Galatasaray for training. During these years, it was abandoned in terms of professional games.

In 1981, the ground was germinated and the stadium re-opened.

In 1993, the lighting system was renewed and night games started to be played again.  

The same year, first time a combined ticket system in Turkey was launched at the Ali Sami Yen.  

In the same year, the seat system was introduced. The standing capacity of the audience was approximately 35,000 and it decreased to 22,000.  

In 1997, Galatasaray board delegated a Canadian architectural firm to Turkey's first multi-purpose, modern stadium project on the land of Ali Sami Yen, which was going to be demolished.

In 1998, the stadium was launched and attracted great attention. During the launch, all modern lodges were sold symbolically.

The search for financing for the construction of the new stadium began. Due to the difficult financial situation of the club, the required funding could not be found.

In 2001-2002, the project that announced was modified in order to minimize the need for financing and the costs were lowered but the problem of finding financing could not be overcome due to the 2001 economic crisis.

In the 2003 -2004 season, the old project was revived. Ali Sami Yen was abandoned with the decision to make a new and modern stadium. However, the financing requirement was not met again.

Since Mecidiyeköy is now in the center of the city, the state authorities opposed the enlargement of the stadium in this area. Alternatively, a new land was proposed to Galatasaray. During the period of 2004-2007, the search for the financing of the new land and the new stadium was continued.

After a general renovation in the 2004-2005 season, Galatasaray returned to Ali Sami Yen once again.

Following the 1999 earthquake, due to the danger, the Eski Açık Tribune was demolished and rebuilt in the 2005-2006 season. Eski Açık Tribune’s rebuilding was completed during the 2005 – 2006 season. During the third week of that season tribune opened for service with Malatyaspor match.

On January 11, 2011 Ali Sami Yen Stadium hosted the final official match of its history against Beypazarı Şekerspor. Galatasaray moved to Türk Telekom Stadium after that game.

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• Address: Istanbul
• Country: Türkiye
• Capacity: 52,000
• Opened: 15 January 2011
• Main use: Football
• Tenants: Galatasaray  (football)

Extra stadium info – RAMS Park

The construction of the RAMS Park started in 2007. The venue hosted its first match for the national football team of Türkiye in August 2011. Türkiye won the game against Estonia 3-0 in front of 25,000 fans. The national football team of Türkiye played their first-ever FIFA World Cup match in 1954. They lost the game, which was played in Bern, in front of a crowd of 28,000. Türkiye won its second FIFA World Cup match 7-0. The game against Korea was played in Geneva.

The 2002 FIFA World Cup

In 2002, the national football team of Türkiye finished below Brazil and above Costa Rica and China in the group stage of their second FIFA World Cup participation. Türkiye reached the semi-finals of the world championship after beating Japan and Senegal. Brazil defeated Türkiye 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. They won the tournament after beating Germany in the final.

Galatasaray SK

Galatasaray, the first Turkish football side with 10 million followers on its main social media page, use the RAMS Park for home games. The club was founded in 1905. Galatasaray became the first Turkish team with 20 top-flight football league titles. They won the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2000 for the first time in their history. Galatasaray won the UEFA Cup after beating the English side Arsenal and the UEFA Super Cup after defeating the Spanish side Real Madrid.

Galatasaray at the RAMS Park

Galatasaray played their first Turkish top-flight football league match at the stadium on 23 January 2011. 43,000 people attended the game against Sivasspor. Galatasaray won the game 1-0. In March 2011, the RAMS Park recorded 131.76 decibels in a football match between Galatasaray and their rivals Fenerbahçe. It became a Guinness World Record for loudest crowd roar at a sports venue. Galatasaray Spor Kulübü were crowned Turkish football champions in their first football season at the stadium, which was known as the Türk Telekom Stadyumu during that football season.

The UEFA Champions League

On 2 October 2012, the RAMS Park hosted its first UEFA Champions League match involving Galatasaray. The club from Istanbul started the European championship game with Albert Riera Ortega, Burak Yılmaz, Dany Achille Nounkeu Tchounkeu, Emmanuel Eboué, Emre Çolak, Felipe Melo de Carvalho, Néstor Fernando Muslera Micol, Noureddine Amrabat, Selçuk İnan, Semih Kaya and Umut Bulut. SC Braga from the Portuguese Republic won the match, which took place in front of 46,000 spectators.

That football season, Galatasaray SK reached the quarter-finals of the world famous European football tournament after beating FC Schalke 04 from Germany. They lost the quarter-final against the Spanish side Real Madrid CF, the first sports club with 100 million followers on its main social media page. Real Madrid also became the first football club with 10 European championship titles after beating rivals Atlético de Madrid in 2014.

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Istanbul Turkey

General info, travel around city, stadium info, what to see, travel to city, where to stay.

Istanbul- Turkey

General Information

Istanbul formerly Constantinople, is the largest city in Turkey and is known as the gateway between Europe and Asia. Historically, a hugely historical marvel with living history of the Ottoman and Byzantium on show for all to see. Istanbul is the most important footballing city in Turkey with the big 3 ( Fenerbahce, Galatasaray & Besiktas)  all residing in this Turkish powerhouse.  

Currency : Turkish Lira                    Population: approx 16 million

Landmarks : Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern

Cuisine : Baklava, Kebabs & Raki

Weather : Lows - February 3 - 8 Degrees C elsius, Highs - August 18 - 28 degrees Celsius

Clubs : 8 football clubs in the major divisions

Main Clubs : Fenerbahce, Galatasaray & Besiktas

Stadium Information

1 - Atatürk Olympic Stadium  - Turkey National Team - 76,092 Capacity

2 - Nef Stadium  - Galatasary - 52,280 Capacity

3 - Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium  - Fenerbahce - 50,530 Capacity

4 -  Vodafone Park - Besiktas - 42 ,590  Capacity

5 - Başakşehir Stadium  - Istanbul Başakşehir - 17,156 Capacity

6 - Zeytinburnu Stadium - Zeytinburnuspor - 16,000 Capacity

7 - Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium  - Kasımpaşa - 13,856 Capacity

Atatürk Olympic Stadium - Turkey National Team City: Istanbul

Address: Ziya Gökalp, 34490 Başakşehir/İstanbul, Turkey

Capacity:  76,092

Stands:  Guney Tribun (South), Bati Tribun (West), Kuzey Tribun (North) & Dogu Tribun (East)

Teams:  Turkey (Red, Red & Red) 

Rivalries : Greece

Distance from City Centre:  16  miles / 26 km   Direction: North West

Matchday Tickets How: Tickets for Turkey are best sourced directly with the Turkey Football Federation or with the competition host of the match being played i.e. UEFA, Fifa etc .

Stadium Tours

We do not currently have information on stadium tours provided by the stadium or the football club.

Nef Stadium - Galatasaray City: Istanbul

Address: Huzur Mh., Metin Oktay Caddesi, 34396 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey

Capacity: 52,280

Stands: Guney Tribun (South), Bati Tribun (West), Pegasus Tribun (North) & Dogu Tribun (East)

Teams:  Galatasaray (Red & Yellow/Black/Black)

Rivalries : Fenerbahce

Distance from City Centre:  8  miles / 13.5 km  Direction: North

Matchday Tickets How: Ticket information can be sourced from Passo which is free. You will need to create an  account with Passo and purchase a Passolig card. Otherwise, you will NOT be able to attend any games in Turkey.  The only official seller of e-tickets for football games in Turkey is Passo. This includes Super Lig, Turkish Cup, Champions League and Europa League games.

Price Range: N/A

Galatasaray stadium tours are available from Tuesday to Sunday.   To book yourself on a tour, visit the Galatasaray club shop opposite the Nef stadium.

Price Range: £5+

Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium - Fenerbahçe

City: Istanbul

Address: Zühtüpaşa, Bağdat Cd. No:2, 34724 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey

Capacity: 50,530

Stands: Turk Telekom Tribunu, Fenerium Tribun, Migrus Tribun and Maraton Tribun Ust

Teams:  Fenerbahce  (Blue & Yellow/Blue/Blue)

Rivalries:  Galatasaray

Distance From City Centre:  5  miles / 8.5 km  Direction: East

Price Range: N/A 

Stadium tours run regularly with no pre-booking required. The tour includes the media areas, both the home and away dressing rooms, press area and will pitch side areas including the dug out as well as the museum and club shop.

Vodafone Park - Besiktas City: Istanbul

Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd. No:1, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

Stands: Denix Tarafi, Aktif Bank Tribunu (West), Spor Toto Tribunu & Dogu Ust Tribun (East)

Teams:  Besiktas (Black & White/White/Black)

Distance from City Centre:  2.8  miles / 4.5 km  Direction: North

Besiktas stadium tours are available as well as visit to Turkey’s largest and first officially-registered sports museum is located inside the Beşiktaş football park. Information on stadium tours must be done directly at the stadium.

Price Range: £4+

Travel to Istanbul

Istanbul Airports

Istanbul Ataturk airport (ist)

Istanbul Ataturk (IST) to City Centre

Public transport in Istanbul will need an Istanbulkart which is a top up card for public transport as you can't pay cash.  

Bus: Havabus operate a bus service from Ataturk airport to and from Taksim Square, in the city centre. 

Bus + Tram: Use the H-9 IETT bus, get off at Cevizlibag, and then change to the T1 tram towards Kabatas or Eminonu. ​

Metro: Currently unavailable but it is imminent. The M11 line will connect Gayrettepe to Istanbul Airport to Halkalı

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport (sAw)

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to City Centre

Bus:  Havabus operate a bus service from the Sabina Gokcen airport to and from Taksim Square, in the city centre. 

Theres a number of other public bus services:  E3 - 4 goes from the airport to Levent 

E9 goes from the airport to Bostancı E10 goes from the airport to Kadıköy - Kurtköy E11 goes from the airport to Kadıköy 

Travel around Istanbul

The metro in Istanbul has 9 lines covering all areas of this vast city. The lines are named M1A, M1B, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7 & M9. Its constantly growing and will soon include the M11 line which will reach Ataturk airport.

Operated by Metro Istanbul has 4 main lines. T1, T3, T4 and T5 which compliment the numerous public transport options around Istanbul.

One of the more popular ways to travel between the city and between continents. The ferry is one of the easier ways to avoid congestion. The main piers are Eminönü, Kabataş, Karaköy, and Besiktaş, and on the Asian side, Üsküdar and Kadıköy.

There's 400 bus lines in Istanbul and cover all areas except for Sultanahmet (accessible by tram). Destinations and major stops are written in yellow on the sides of the buses.

Dolmus' (Shared Taxis)

Dolmus' are yellow shared taxis that run specific routes. The main dolmuş lines are in Europe: Beşiktaş – Taksim; and Taksim – Bakırköy, Yeşilköy; Sarıyer – Beşiktaş and Kadıköy and Üsküdar from Asia.

The Istanbul funiculars connect the lower part of the city with Taksim Square and its surroundings. There are two funicular lines one Karaköy-Beyoğlu Tünel and the second Kabataş-Taksim Funicular

Things To See In Istanbul

The city where east meets west, Istanbul can be an overwhelming experience for first-order visitors. Istanbul is known for the incredibe structures of Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. A fascinating mix of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Navigate the narrow cobbled streets through illustrious markets to meet the Bosphorus Strait which separates two continents. Here is a selection of tickets and tours to really make life easier when visiting the previously named Constantinople.

Best Connected: Taksim Square

Taksim Square situated in the European side of Istanbul. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul and hugely connects the city with funicular, trams, and other public transport centering around the square. Its also very close to the Karakoy region, and more modern than other parts of the city. Taksim square is still a fantastic choice who want architectural sights, shops and restaurants. Upmarket Choice: Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet district is where it all starts and ends in Istanbul. Most of the iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia dominate the skyline in what's considered Old Istanbul. Sultanahmet is the Istanbul experience whether its bartering in the bazaars, taking in the history, scaling the city walls.  Its hard to not to be struck in awe exploring this area of Turkey Up & Coming: Karakoy

Formerly, a crucial port and little more. Karakoy has reinvented itself as a trendy, laid back side to Istanbul allowing visitors to navigate art galleries, cafes, churches, synagogues in the midst of the more modern parts. 

Luke Combs crushes 2024 stadium concert tour kickoff at Milwaukee's American Family Field

Luke Combs took to the stage in Milwaukee Friday like a bear roaring out of hibernation.

"First show back in five months — here we go," the country superstar cheered after the third song for the kickoff of his "Growin' Up and Gettin' Old Tour" at American Family Field. The tour's second show, for the only the second time in the city's stadium concert history, includes another night at the Milwaukee Brewers' ballpark Saturday.

Combs clearly relished being back in tour mode, roaming all over the stage and runways, crooning and belting until his face turned heirloom-tomato red for show starters "Must've Never Met You," "She Got the Best of Me" and "Lovin' On You" — the latter two among 13 No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay chart-toppers that made Friday's 27-song setlist.

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But I'd wager there were a whole lot of Combs fans in Milwaukee Friday who were more excited for this show than he was.

More: Luke Combs at American Family Field: Everything to know for Milwaukee stadium tour kickoff

More: What you should know about parking at Luke Combs' American Family Field shows in Milwaukee

The full-volume singalongs were Exhibit A in that argument, but some historical context is important.

Milwaukee is spoiled by the sheer volume of country A-listers who routinely come to town (Dan + Shay were here last week, and Tim McGraw is going to be here next week). Combs, too, came through early in his career for three shows at the Rave and the late Northern Lights Theater; he also opened for Blake Shelton at Summerfest in 2018 and made a Farm Aid appearance at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in 2019.

But that's it. As his trophy case filled up, as the hits kept coming, as he moved on up to stadium headliner status, Combs — very much still at the top of the A-list with a leading eight ACM Award nominations announced this week — had yet to do a major Milwaukee headlining show.

Until this weekend, when he rewarded Milwaukee fans' patience with an impassioned, hits-loaded show and a couple of custom nods to the city — from the blue Brewers ballcap that served as the signature piece of his humble concert ensemble to the lyrical swaps of "Milwaukee" into a handful of songs. That didn't quite work as a sub for Panama as he sang about deep sea fishing for "When It Rains It Pours" Friday — but the cheering crowd made it clear the gesture was appreciated.

And the Milwaukee fans adored the beer-centric portion of Friday's program. Fans got to vote for one of three songs via text to make the setlist Friday, and "Beer Can" beat out "Don't Tempt Me" and "Memories Are Made Of." He paid his respects to hometown favorite Miller Brewing — possibly displeasing any American Family Insurance execs in the crowd when he suggested he still thought of the Milwaukee Brewers stadium as Miller Park — and shotgunned a can of Miller Lite during "1, 2 Many."

And of all the big hits Combs played Friday night, "Beer Never Broke My Heart" had one of the most heartfelt singalongs.

That, and his cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car." The biggest hit of his career, Combs' take is pretty straightforward, letting Chapman's beautiful lyrics and melodies lead the way. But there's still clearly something special about his version, isn't there?

It's the same thing, Friday's show indicated, that has made Combs' such a superstar.

As a songwriter, as a storyteller, he's as polished as any of his peers in heavy rotation on country radio. But there's more soul and vulnerability in his voice, with just a touch of grit, than most of his centrist country star contemporaries.

So Combs, a back-to-back CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year recipient, was as expected a likable, stadium-electrifying party host.

But his ability to make the stadium filled with 41,000 to 44,000 feel small, to make songs feel personal in that space, that was his greatest strength Friday — whether he was crooning "This One's for You" alone on electric guitar while his seven-piece band took a breather, or tenderly belting "Better Together" accompanied by pretty melodies on a piano.

But the most intimate and moving stretch of the night included "Love You Anyway," "Forever After All" and "Beautiful Crazy," which Combs said were inspired by his wife Nicole Hocking, who was in attendance Friday. Combs prefaced the song singing her praises, including how she helped him with his daily anxieties — and expressed remorse for missing the birth of their second son last year while he was on tour in Australia. Calling it the best and worst day of his life, Combs choked up, took a beat, and wiped tears from his eyes. And then he poured all the emotion, all the gratitude that he felt in that highly vulnerable moment into those songs.

As the show hit the hour-and-50-minute mark Friday, and Combs more than earned the right to head backstage for some family time, he struggled to peel himself away from the stage.

Nine minutes after Combs sang the final lyrics of the night's final song, "The Kind of Love We Make," the seats across the stadium were largely empty. But the pit was still full of fans, and Combs was still on that stage, signing autograph after autograph after autograph.

More: Before Luke Combs plays in front of the 'best fans' for his Milwaukee concerts this week, he tours Miller Brewery and even shotguns a beer

More: Luke Combs introduces heartbreaking new baseball-tinged song at American Family Field

Cody Jinks, Charles Wesley Godwin and the Wilder Blue opened Friday night's Luke Combs concert

Cody Jinks was a standout at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Veterans Park last summer , fueled by a hellbent desire to win over the crowd as the event’s lone country act. As the primary opener Friday at a big ol' country show, that kind of pressure was off. And, consequently, Jinks’ fire didn’t burn as brightly, despite solid renditions of tunes like “Fast Hand” and “Mamma Song” aided by a honky-tonk-tuned band.

Immediately winning points with a customized Brew Crew jersey, singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin turned out to be the most animated of Friday's openers, storming the catwalk and banging his head for “Hardwood Floors.” But even in “stadium mode,” Godwin brought intimacy and tenderness to tearjerkers like “Miner Imperfections,” which he dedicated to his father. Godwin may not be at the level of his good friend Zach Bryan yet ( who he opened for at Summerfest last year ), with stadiums full of people mesmerized by every word, but Friday’s set suggested it could be in the cards. Next up for Godwin in Milwaukee: a headlining set at Summerfest’s Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard June 28, which could prove to be too small a stage for his fanbase.

Alt-country act the Wilder Blue started off the night with a gentle but effective rendition of the national anthem, then kept things mellow for Eagles cover “Seven Bridges Road” and “I’m Your Man,” a new single out Friday that, played live, was more blue-cool than red-hot swagger. The polite but understandably sleepy crowd would have to wait for something, well, wilder.

More: How Milwaukee Brewers' American Family Field became one of country's top concert stadiums

More: How Milwaukee became a must-play market for country music

6 takeaways from Luke Combs' Milwaukee concert Friday

• At the risk of ruining this for everyone catching a concert at American Family Field in the future (including myself): I once again followed Journal Sentinel reporter Claire Reid's traffic-avoiding tips and drove into the stadium lots from Blue Mound Road. I first hit the brakes at 5:28 p.m., and I was parked by 5:41 p.m. The Journal Sentinel splurged on premium parking this time out, so that cut down on my parking time, but I still was shocked at how quickly I got in. But getting out, there's really nothing drivers can do to avoid that headache. People started filing out in large numbers around 10:50 p.m., but the drive out of the lots around me didn't really clear up until about 12:10 a.m.
• A friend texted me a photo from his seats at Friday's show — with a massive, suspended speaker stack blocking a good portion of the stage, even though his tickets weren't classified as "obstructed view." He debated with customer service to no avail and embraced a positive attitude, and I gathered he was still able to see Combs on the screens clearly and when he'd walk the stage. But given the complications getting to the show and the cost, it's too bad my friend and others seated near him had to deal with that.
• Beyond "Fast Car," there were other covers Friday, including a stirring take of Ed Sheeran's "Dive," a rendition of Brooks & Dunn's "Brand New Man," and a medley of three songs with a few of Combs' bandmates taking lead vocals: Shania Twain's "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?," Train's "Drops of Jupiter" and Dierks Bentley's "What Was I Thinkin'?"
• Combs covered a whole lot of hits, but not every one of his Billboard Country Airplay chart-toppers made the setlist. Left out Friday: "Even Though I'm Leaving," "Does to Me" and "Doin' This." But it was worth cutting one of those to make sure he added unreleased fatherly love song "The Man He Sees in Me" Friday.
• A head's up: Combs’ openers Friday won’t be the same openers Saturday. Expect a more country radio vibe with (in order of appearance) Colby Acuff, Drew Parker, Mitchell Tenpenny and Jordan Davis. And if you get to the lots by 3 p.m., you can see two more acts — Ryan Larkins and Graham Barham — at the Third Base Plaza at American Family Field.
• Most interesting conversation from the pit: A woman near the stage yelled at a security guard, “Next time I have to pee you’re coming with. That was (expletive) brutal coming back in here.” Understandably, the security guard looked horrified.

Luke Combs' American Family Field April 12 Setlist

• ”Must’ve Never Met You”
• ”She Got the Best of Me”
• ”Lovin’ on You”
• ”My Kinda Folk”
• ”Brand New Man” (Brooks & Dunn cover)
• ”One Number Away”
• ”Houston, We Got a Problem”
• ”The Man He Sees in Me”
• ”This One’s for You”
• ”Going, Going, Gone”
• ”Dive” (Ed Sheeran cover)
• ”Whose Bed Have You Boots Been Under?” (Shania Twain cover)/“Drops of Jupiter” (Train cover)/“What Was I Thinkin’?” (Dierks Bentley cover)
• ”Where the Wild Things Are”
• "Love You Anyway"
• "Forever After All"
• "Beautiful Crazy"
• "Fast Car" (Tracy Chapman cover)
• "Hurricane"
• "Cold As You"
• "When It Rains It Pours"
• "1, 2 Many"
• "Beer Never Broke My Heart"
• "Better Together"
• "The Kind of Love We Make"

Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or  [email protected] . Follow him on X at  @pietlevy  or Facebook at  facebook.com/PietLevyMJS .

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Luke Combs crushes 2024 stadium concert tour kickoff at Milwaukee's American Family Field

... in his own words and in words of those, who knew him

Concert in Moscow 1993

Samvel Gasparov , a movie director, tells the story about MJ' show in Moscow in 1993:

'I heard about Michael Jackson for the first time back in the 70's. I even knew some of his songs, but I never was a fan. When I worked as a truck driver, I used to listen to Georgian music. Later, when I went to college, I grew to like Joe Dassin, Charles Aznavour, Tom Jones, and Engelbert Humperdinck. But I always knew about Jackson, and I knew that he was a good singer. In the early 90's my dream was to make a movie called "Run brother, run". American filmmakers expressed some interest in the script, and in 1992 I went to Romania where we rented a foundation. As it happened, Michael Jackson was giving a show in Bucharest at that time, and I was introduced to his producer Marcel Avram by one of our mutual friends. Marcel asked me to help them tape Michael's concert, and I did what I could. It was a pleasure. The performance left me stunned. Jackson impressed me very much – he was a genius, that's no question. I was personally introduced to him, and I remember shaking his cool pale hand. On the second day at dinner I told Avram about my wish to make a movie in the USA and my need for money. I already had an offer for five movies and lodging in the US by then. "I like you", Avram said. "If you want, we can bring Michael to Moscow. Then you can organize a show and make some money." I thought it would be cool, but I honestly didn't believe it was possible. But soon after that Avram sent his people to Moscow in order to check out Dessa, the company I headed at the time. It was one of the first Russian private companies created for the purpose of movie making, and I had some good folks on my team.

Suddenly the project came to life. Money was pushed to the background in my mind. I was full of enthusiasm, I wanted to bring that joyful event to people – after all, it was the first time a big Star was going to visit Russia. Since the visit of Avram's delegation and till September 1993 we were busy with preparations. It was my first experience in show business, and I couldn't imagine that it would be that hard and unpredictable. I thought that all showbiz "sharks" would support me and help me with that project, but it turned out the other way round – they threw obstacles in my way and tried to prevent the show from happening. We felt that our efforts were not appreciated. We even got phone calls with threats. And we got attacked by the media: they wrote that I was the king of the liquor industry and the head of the Chechen mafia. They said I was organizing the show in order to sell vodka on the stadium. It was a nightmare! They also wrote garbage about Jackson – that he was a pedophile, and that I was going to bring not him, but his impersonator who would lip synch to his songs. But all this crap only turned us on. We decided that we would make the show happen no matter what.

On September 15, 1993 Michael postpones his flight out of Moscow, Russia, and instead goes to visit a hospital for mentally challenged children there, who rejoice at seeing him and fight for his attention. One of his aides says that the singer has asked for one of the children to be flown to America for care and treatment which Jackson will pay for. The singer holds a few children in his arms and on his lap, comforts and plays with them and wishes to entertain them: “I’d like to sing with them. We all know a song together”, he says, visibly emotional. He also visits children in a nearby orphanage, who will sing a song to him in Russian, turning him – the ultimate performer, into an attentive spectator.

• Thoughts and ideas
• On the plane
• In Australia´s Hospital
• David Smithee
• Christmas Party For Orphans
• The Day I Met My Hero
• Restoration In Neverland
• Once Upon A Time
• Dinner With Michael
• Daniele Parisi
• Always Humble
• Michael In Oman
• Bela Farkas
• Angelic Eyes
• Driver Gokor
• Uri Geller about MJ
• In Search Of Neverland
• In Ormond Street Hospital
• Michael And Photography
• Michael as a Farmer
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DNSYE - WALK FOR AUTISM 2024 - THE STADIUM TOUR Do Not Scratch Your Eyes

The lads chat with Rich from Inside the Orange/Yellow* (* delete as appropriate) about this years walk to raise funds and awareness of Autism and associated charities about the fantastic work they do in combination with Watford FC and other clubs. We hear about the impact that the sensory room can make and the work of charities such as Anna Kennedy Online plus what can each of us maybe do to make life easier for those people and their families? The walk takes place in August and watch out for our socials as to how you can add your support - thank you as always. COYH!!! This Podcast has been created and uploaded by Do Not Scratch Your Eyes. The views in this Podcast are not necessarily the views of talkSPORT. Huge thanks to all our Patreons: Chris Giannone, RichWFC2, Steve Holliman, Paul Fiander Turner, Sean Gourley, Lee Anselmo, John Parslow, Mark von Herkomer, Neil Silverstein, Steve Brown, Dave Lavender, Kasey Brown, Nipper Harrison, Boyd Mayover, Colin Payne, Paul Riley, Gary Wood, Karl Campion, Kevin Kremen, The Big Le – Bofski, Greg Theaker, Malcolm Williams, Bryan Edwards, Peter Ryan, Luka, John Thekanady - Ambassador of Dubai!! Jack Foster, Jason Rose, Michael Abrahams, Ian Bacon, Ken Green, Nick Nieuwland, Colin Smith Ant!!!!! Wesley Wheeler & PDF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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NYCFC stadium gets city council approval: ‘A cathedral of football in the five boroughs’

Major League Soccer ’s New York City FC will finally have a place to call home, after New York officials on Thursday approved a vast proposal to build a 25,000-seat, soccer-specific stadium for the team in Willets Points, Queens along with surrounding development.

The $780-million, privately-financed stadium has been more than a decade in the making, ever since MLS approved NYCFC as an expansion club in 2013. The venue will be the centerpiece of a new neighborhood built adjacent to Citi Field, home of Major League Baseball ’s New York Mets. The project includes plans for an elementary school and thousands of affordable housing units.

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The approval is a “historic, once-in-a-generation victory” for Willets Point, city mayor Eric Adams said on Thursday from outside City Hall, where hundreds of NYCFC fans, union members, community leaders and elected officials gathered to celebrate the milestone.

“Eighteen months ago, we came together to lay out our vision for a new neighborhood born out of the Valley of Ashes, out of the valley of just car repair shops, out of a valley of unpaved roads (with) slick oil all over the place,” Adams said. “People rolled by (and) didn’t see the vision and opportunity. But we said, ‘yes, we could get it done’ – and we got it done.’”

The Willets Points revitalization project calls for 2,500 units of affordable housing, a 650-seat elementary school, 115,000 square feet of open space, and a 250-room hotel. The project also includes plans for retail. Construction will be backed by local union labor, bringing thousands of jobs to Queens, city leaders touted.

The stadium, which will open in 2027, will be adjacent to Citi Field and near the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open. At a 25,000-seat capacity, the stadium will be the seventh-largest of the current soccer-specific stadiums in MLS, tied with the team’s New Jersey-based rival, the New York Red Bulls .

The move is expected to be transformative for NYCFC as a club. For years, the club has had a nomadic “home” experience, playing most of its home games at Yankees Stadium, with occasional sojourns to Citi Field, Pratt and Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut, and perhaps most uncomfortably, at Red Bull Arena, the home of their local rivals. In 2022, the team played its home matches at five different venues, including a nominal home game in Los Angeles in a CONCACAF Champions Cup tie.

The stadium will also allow the team to explore new avenues for profit and growth at a crucial time when soccer’s popularity in the United States is exploding.

“It’s transformative for our club,” NYCFC CEO Brad Sims told The Athletic following the announcement. “Being a tenant is not a realistic and viable long-term plan for a sports franchise. Owning, operating (and) running your own facility 365 days a year is extremely important to be able to, I think, realize your potential. I think the one thing that has been holding back New York City FC in 10 years is infrastructure.”

Sims identified numerous new revenue streams that the stadium will allow for, including naming rights for the venue and premium stadium seating. Sims estimates that more than 80% of any professional team’s revenue is likely coming from sponsorships and premium seating. The club will also have the opportunity to explore hosting events, whether that be concerts or games not involving NYCFC.

“It’s gonna be a destination place,” Sims said. “Every summer, you’re now seeing all the biggest football clubs around the world come to the U.S. because they want to get fans. They want to get the U.S. market share. They’re looking for places to play, and they’re gonna want to be in New York City. They’re gonna want to be in our venue.”

Sims said he expects the stadium to be a “key venue” for the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams and, eventually, for World Cup qualifiers. Though the stadium won’t be finished in time for the men’s World Cup in 2026, Sims is optimistic it could be considered for the women’s World Cup in 2027, should FIFA award the United States and Mexico hosting rights for the tournament later this year.

“We just think it’s going to be this cathedral of football in the five boroughs,” Sims said.

Though plans for the Queens stadium were announced in 2022, the idea to build a soccer stadium in the borough was conceived years earlier. It has been a lifelong dream for council member Francisco Moya, the council member representing the area of Queens where the stadium will be built.

His Ecuadorian roots, he says, are what fueled his love for the beautiful game.

“It’s surreal, a lifelong dream of mine to do,” said Moya, who officials touted was a driving force for the proposal. “When I first got elected, I wrote a letter to (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber saying, ‘Look, I know the expansion is coming in 2013. I got a great place for you guys to come to here in Queens.’”

Six months later, Garber and the newly-elected member of the New York Assembly connected, Moya said, and the planning began.

“We’re not just building a soccer stadium,” Moya said. “We’re building a brand new neighborhood, something that has never been done in four decades in the city of New York, in the very place I was born and raised in. I learned how to play soccer in the shadows of Willets Point.”

“Now there’s going to be some kid who’s playing right now in Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, who one day is going to be able to have the opportunity to dawn the jersey of his hometown club, which is New York City Football Club,” Moya said. “I think that says it all.”

For longtime fans of the club, like Felix Palao, having a stadium “has been years in the making.” Palao, a member of the club’s supporters group, The Third Rail, recounted the countless rumors that came and went over the years.

“When those plans fell through, it did feel hopeless,” he said. “It felt like we had nowhere to go. To finally have a home, that’s all I’ve been wanting.”

Last month, NYCFC shared updated renderings of the primary entrance to the planned stadium, dubbed “The Cube.” The seven-story-tall entrance will be the first thing fans see when exiting public transportation to the stadium. It features 11,000 square feet of LED lighting in the cube, and is capable of projecting video, photographs and graphic elements during game time.

There remains an appeals process for the project, but the proposal is expected to breeze through the process unscathed. “We’re optimistic about the appeals process, and hoping to get shovels into the ground by late summer, early fall, when that process concludes,” Sims said, “and we’ll still be there target for ‘27.”

But there’s still plenty that needs to happen before then, he added.

“We still have a long way to go,” Sims said. “We still gotta get the thing built.”

(Photo: NYCFC)

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Before Luke Combs plays in front of the 'best fans' for his Milwaukee concerts this week, he tours Miller Brewery and even shotguns a beer

Before Luke Combs kicks off his "Growin' Up and Gettin' Old" tour in Milwaukee this week, he went on another kind of tour. One that is quintessentially Brew City.

Combs, one of country music's biggest stars, is playing two shows at American Family Field : One Friday and another Saturday. But ahead of that, he took a tour of the Miller Brewery . And, we got to tag along.

Yes, he was every bit as kindhearted, down-to-earth and genuine as he seems. And yes, he shotgunned a beer just like he does on stage. Except this time, he was hanging out on a brewhouse rooftop with the iconic giant red Miller sign and the Milwaukee Brewers' ballpark as his backdrop.

Not only did Combs — a longtime Miller Lite fan and years-long partner — see where the magic happens, he also checked out the specialty packaging on cases and cans that's coming out in honor of his blockbuster tour.

"It's just surreal, you know?" Combs told the Journal Sentinel. "I feel like I get to live so many amazing, surreal moments. And, I'm really thankful for that for sure. It's crazy. It's crazy."

Here's what we learned about Combs' tour and what he got into on the Miller tour. And, how about his eight Academy of Country Music Awards nominations that were announced earlier this week? We asked him about those, too.

Luke Combs talks about his 'Growin' Up and Gettin' Old' tour and why he's kicking it off in the Midwest

A or A+ shows don't cut it for Combs. He's shooting for A++.

"I try to do everything I can do to take care of my voice, take care of myself, make sure that we're doing everything we can," Combs said. "People that come are the only reason we get to do what we do. Putting on an A++ show is really important to me."

About to embark on his 25-date stadium tour, he's excited — and "a little nervous."

"You feel like you're standing at the bottom of a mountain and you're looking at the top a little bit," he said.

But after last year's "Luke Combs World Tour," he said he feels more prepared for what's ahead of him.

"We've played everywhere all over the world," Combs said. "But, the Midwest, it feels like home to me. So, good place to start it."

HOW TO AVOID TRAFFIC: Luke Combs concerts could cause delays on I-94 this weekend

Combs, who grew up in North Carolina, hadn't been anywhere close to Milwaukee when he started his music career — his first plane ride came at age 25. But, he remembers his earlier stops up here fondly.

He opened for Blake Shelton at Summerfest in 2018 and made an appearance at Farm Aid at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in 2019.

"The Midwest is like the best fans in the world," Combs said. "I mean, honestly. People probably say that all the time."

But, that doesn't mean pulling out of the driveway Tuesday night wasn't hard after the "amazing" time he spent with his "awesome" wife Nicole and their two sons — Tex and Beau — these past few months. Fortunately, he won't have to miss his other half too long. She'll be headed up this way this weekend.

What will always make it onto Combs' setlist this time around? "The songs that people would expect," Combs shared.

"Playing all the hits," he said. "That's why people are there, and I want to give them what they want."

But, each night of the tour will have a different vibe.

Combs' opening acts Friday — in the order they'll hit the stage — are the Wilder Blue, Charles Wesley Godwin and Cody Jinks.

"Friday's more in the Americana, singer-songwriter world," Combs said. "So, our set reflects that a little bit. But, obviously, still playing all the hits."

Saturday's openers will be Colby Acuff, Drew Parker, Mitchell Tenpenny and Jordan Davis.

"Saturday night is more mainstream, Top 40 country stuff, which is what I do, really," Combs said.

Combs loves watching Jinks and Davis perform — they keep him honest, he said — and he knows they're going to kick some you know what.

The first opener will start at 5:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with gates opening at 5 p.m.

The parking lots will open at 3 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Tailgating will be permitted. Give yourself plenty of time to drive in and get through security.

There also will be a "Bootleggers Tailgate Party" at 3 p.m. Saturday with two up-and-comers picked by Combs and Nashville-based concert series Whiskey Jam: Ryan Larkins and Graham Barham. It'll take place at Am Fam Field's Third Base Plaza, and will be free to attend for Combs concert ticketholders, with food and drinks available to purchase.

Luke Combs' love for Miller Lite and his visit to Miller Brewery

After getting into Milwaukee Wednesday morning, Combs hung out at the Brewers stadium for a couple of hours, worked out, then was off to the Miller Brewery.

How long has Combs been a fan of Miller Lite? "Forever, probably."

"My dad's been drinking it for a long time," Combs said. "It was always around the house."

If his music career never worked out, he said, he would still be sporting a Columbia fishing shirt and drinking a Miller Lite somewhere in the world.

"That's what I would be doing anyways," he said. "So, I really wanted to go after things that I was already passionate about that felt natural and authentic to me. So, I'm very thankful for (Molson Coors) being receptive to have me on board. I feel super lucky."

Sporting a Brewers Barrelman hat, Combs and his team walked into a conference room on the brewery's complex Wednesday. He was met by a small group of longtime brewery employees and other Molson Coors staffers. The beer cases and cans with his new specialty packaging were displayed on tables.

The design features a ribbon that says "Beer Never Broke My Heart" wrapped in between the tuning pegs of a guitar. Combs' name is at the top of the headstock.

LUKE COMBS IN MILWAUKEE: Country superstar introduces heartbreaking new baseball-tinged song at American Family Field

After everyone went around the room introducing themselves, they were instructed to suit up in PPE — yellow safety vests, glasses, hard hats, toe caps and headsets.

On Combs' VIP tour of the brewery, he got a first-hand — and at times, hands-on — look at the operations with facts and history lessons along the way.

The first stop was a packaging plant, where Combs met machinist Jeff Malecki who has "But they ain't seen us together" from Combs' song "Forever After All" tattooed across his arm.

The two shook hands and got a picture together. That would become a reoccurring scene throughout Combs' visit.

It seemed like every employee who crossed paths with Combs received a handshake. And, if they wanted a photo or autograph, they got those, too, without any hesitation.

In the warehouse, Combs saw cases with the specialty packaging sliding out of a machine — he pulled his phone out to document that — and stacks of those cases getting carried off on a pallet via forklift.

At one point, Combs stood in front of what looked like a mountain of the cases. "Get this one," he said to a photographer as he hugged the cases as far as his arms would stretch.

Later, he'd get to snag one of the cans right off of a quick-moving line.

He got a taste of that and a few different brewery roles, including one that involved flipping a cardboard box filled with unconstructed cases into place. A few cases snuck out the back, but not too shabby for a first-timer.

"Thanks for letting me do that," Combs said to the workers as he shook their hands. "Thanks for letting me be in the way."

Combs also tried his hand at adding hops, one of which was liquid. "Have y'all seen 'Superbad'?" Combs asked with a bucket of hops in hand.

It reminded him of the scene when McLovin was trying to buy booze at a liquor store and said to the cashier: "You know, I heard they recently decided to add more hops to it."

Toward the conclusion of the tour, Combs said he had a "truly amazing" time. But, his favorite part had to be the grand finale.

He got to go up on a brewhouse rooftop with striking views of the city, the home of the Brewers and that big red Miller sign.

Up there is where he shotgunned a beer in under 5 seconds, and had the honor of sampling an exclusive maturation stock that not many get to try.

"To be standing up here is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Combs said.

How about those eight ACM Awards nominations

The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards nominations were announced earlier this week. Combs leads the nominations with eight , including entertainer of the year, male artist of the year, album of the year, song of the year, single of the year and music event of the year.

"It's really awesome," he said. "Always surprising, I think ... In a lot of ways, it feels like I've been doing this a lifetime. And, in a lot of ways, I feel like I've been doing it for six months. So, I feel like sometimes I'm so conflicted with knowing what to feel or think ... It's an honor. It's my wildest dreams coming true. So, I'm a very lucky guy every day."

A 2024 win via Combs nomination for entertainer of the year would clinch the coveted triple crown award, which consists of an entertainer of the year win plus wins in an act's respective new artist (male, female, duo, or group) and artist (male, female, duo or group) categories, a USA TODAY report said.

The event will air on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on May 16.

Piet Levy of the Journal Sentinel staff and USA TODAY contributed to this report.