A unique sports complex is taking shape in Turkey’s capital. On the site of the former 19 Mayıs Stadium, construction is underway on a new arena with a capacity of 45,000 spectators. Once finished, it will boast the third-longest steel roof span of any stadium in the world.

Landmark project in heart of Ankara

Ankara is preparing to unveil a venue that may become one of modern Turkey’s most iconic buildings. Ankara Stadyumu is being built on the site of the old 19 Mayıs Stadium, demolished in 2018. The new stadium’s defining feature will be its steel roof with a remarkable span of 285 metres, putting it in third place globally in terms of steel roof span.

The project is a joint effort by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ). Currently, construction is 65% complete. Around 5,500 bored piles have already been installed, 90% of the stadium’s reinforced concrete elements are finished, and 42% of the steel structure has been fabricated.

© stadyumlar.com

Stadium shaped like a football?

The new stadium has been designed to resemble a football, emphasising both its purpose and symbolic meaning for sports fans. But football won’t be the only attraction here. The broader complex will include a conference hall, museum, café, training facilities, workshops, and halls for various sports disciplines.

This approach is meant to ensure the stadium remains active throughout the year—not just on matchdays. A stadium that is alive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—not just once a week—will be very fitting for Ankara said Minister Osman Aşkın Bak.

The stadium, built on a site covering 160,000 square metres, will meet all UEFA and FIFA standards. Once complete, its 45,000-seat capacity will make it one of the largest stadiums in the country. Combined with its modern infrastructure, it will allow Ankara to host top-tier sporting events.

The project has drawn significant attention from government authorities. The new stadium of our capital is rising fast. Once completed, it will become the beating heart of Turkish sport stated Minister Murat Kurum on social media. Minister Osman Aşkın Bak echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of the project for Ankara’s sports and infrastructure development.

© BK Architects