When the 15,000-seat municipal stadium is completed, Karaman will have a modern, functional venue that can host international competitions. The project is advanced but severely delayed.

A new municipal Stadium situated 6 km east of the centre of Karaman, is being built on 57,000 m2, within a new university and residential campus area. Karaman is a city in south-central Turkey, located in Central Anatolia, north of the Taurus Mountains, about 100 km south of Konya.

The project, carried out jointly by the Municipality of Karaman and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, aims to deliver a modern, functional stadium that can host international competitions. Designed in accordance with UEFA's criteria, the stadium will have a capacity of 15,000 seats. 

Changes in capacity

Initially the plan was to build a 12,500-seater, then a proposal surfaced to double the size to 25,000 by adding second tiers along both sides. Eventually, the confirmed size is 15,000, ensuring the ground would be suitable for Süper Lig, should local Karaman Belediyespor reach top tier.

The Turkish venue includes a VIP tribune for 241 people, 25 skyboxes, two different hospitality areas, a press tribune for 155 people, and a 100-person meeting room. Total number of 417 parking spaces, both open and closed, will be available for all the guests.

© Alper Aksoy Architects 

In the design, it’s aimed to increase the amount of ventilation in the field by keeping the north and south stands low, together with the sunshine duration of the natural 74x112 m grass field. This attitude also reflects the spirit of football allowing the project to take on a dynamic expression.

The second biggest investment in Karaman

Karaman Mayor Ertuğrul Çalışkan stated that the stadium is the biggest investment in the area after the development of the fast train transport in the city centre. He also added: We know that it is one of the most important projects in our city in terms of budget size.

Initially, the stadium was budgeted to cost TRY 79.7 million, which at the time of signing was worth €19.2 million. However, because of the decline of Turkish economy and the lira, that same contract would only be worth €7.8 million today. That’s why it’s understood the project will likely cost much more, possibly in excess of TRY 100 million, despite very drastic cost-cutting measures.

© Alper Aksoy Architects

As a result of the changes, almost all of the initial aesthetic value has been lost. Rather than offer a highly perforated and intricate facade-roof ensemble, the stadium is being covered with various colours of tin. 

At the moment of contract signing, in late July of 2017, the project was expected to take exactly 821 days. However, the economic downturn resulted in progress stopping very seriously. Instead of October, 2019, the stadium was supposed to open in 2020 but is still far from completion today. It’s hoped it will be ready by the end of 2021.

Author: Karol Tatar

© Alper Aksoy Architects