Ankara 19 Mayis Stadium - Genclerbirlibi Stadium Guide

Ankara 19 Mayis Stadium was constructed over a two year period between 1934 and 1936 as part of a wider sports complex within the Ulus district of Ankara. The stadium’s name commemorates the 19th May 1919 which saw Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrive at Samsun to start the Turkish War of Independence.

The original stadium was designed by Italian architect Paolo Vietti-Violi in 1931 to invoke a sense of national pride, and thus compared to other municipally owned stadiums it has been described as being “grandiose”.

Used predominantly for football, the ground is currently home to rivals MKE Ankaragücü and Gençlerbirligi S.K, and was previously home to Hacettepe who have traditionally graced the lower tiers of Turkish football.

The highest level of football played at Ankara 19 May?s to date is arguably been qualification matches of the UEFA Cup. Both of the current tenants, have participated in the competition although neither have made it to the group stages. Gençlerbirligi came closest during the 2003/2004 season when they defeated Blackburn Rovers, Sporting CP, and Parma before falling at the last hurdle against Valencia CF in the fourth and final qualification round.

As for the future of Ankara 19 Mayis Stadium there have been plans since at least February 2010 to replace it entirely with new facilities. Located on the current site, albeit in a slightly different position, the new Ankara 19 Mayis Stadium will be fully covered, and capable of seating 20,600 supporters. Like its predecessor it will also be constructed within the heart of a wider sporting complex.

The stadium’s address for satnav is as follows:

• Anafartalar, Cumhuriyet Cd., 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey