Ankara 19 May?s Stadium is the home ground of Gençlerbirli?i S.K. who currently play football in the Turkish Süper Lig. Located in the capital and second largest city in the country, Ankara, the 19,219 capacity stadium first opened back in 1935 with significant redevelopment occurring since.
Table of Contents
Stadium Guide by Football Tripper
History
Ankara 19 May?s 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 Gençlerbirli?i 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. Gençlerbirli?i 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 May?s 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 May?s 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.
Seating Plan
Below is a seating plan of Genclerbirlibi's Ankara 19 Mayıs Stadium:
Visiting the Stadium - Travel
Driving
The stadium’s address for satnav is as follows: