Ankara’s New Stadium Nears Completion: Ministers Issue Joint Statement
Ankara, June 11, 2026 – The construction of Ankara’s new stadium, a monumental project initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is nearing completion. Ministers Murat Kurum and Osman Aşkın Bak shared their excitement and provided updates on the progress of this significant development, which is set to enhance both the capital’s infrastructure and Turkish sports.
A Vision for the Capital
Minister Kurum, in his statement, expressed the rising anticipation for the new stadium, emphasizing its role in fostering future generations of athletes. “A new excitement is rising in the heart of the capital. We are very close to having Ankara’s new stadium, which we built with our Ministry of Youth and Sports. Many more ‘Our Children’ will grow up on this field,” he shared, highlighting the long-term vision behind the project.
A Global Landmark in the Making
Echoing this sentiment, Minister Bak underscored the stadium’s grandeur and its potential to become a global landmark. “This magnificent work, befitting the heart of Turkey, is rising rapidly. We are very close to having our stadium, which will add value to Ankara and Turkish sports. When completed, our stadium will be the apple of the eye not only of Turkey but also of the world,” Minister Bak stated, pointing to the international aspirations for the venue.
Continuous Progress on the Complex
Work on the new stadium complex, built by TOKİ in place of the 19 Mayıs Stadium, which was demolished in 2018, is progressing without interruption. The stadium, constructed in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, covers an area of 160,000 square meters and adheres to stringent UEFA and FIFA criteria.
Increased Capacity for International Events
Initially planned for a capacity of 45,000, the stadium’s capacity was increased to 50,000 at the instruction of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This expansion aims to accommodate semi-final and final matches of international championships, further solidifying Ankara’s position as a host for major sporting events.
Innovative Design and Multifunctional Facilities
The stadium complex features an innovative “football-shaped” design, with approximately 5,500 bored piles used for ground improvement. Beyond the main arena, the complex will house a conference hall, a museum, a cafeteria, educational rooms, workshops, and sports halls for various disciplines, making it a versatile center for community engagement and development.
Remarkably, the Ankara stadium is set to boast the world’s third-longest steel roof span at 285 meters, following similar structures in the United States and China. This architectural feat underscores the project’s ambition and its contribution to modern engineering.
Looking Ahead
The completion of Ankara’s new stadium is eagerly awaited, promising to be a significant addition to Turkey’s sports infrastructure and a source of national pride. Its state-of-the-art facilities and increased capacity are expected to attract major international events, bringing global attention to Ankara and further boosting the city’s profile.
Source: https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/ankaradaki-yeni-stadyuma-iliskin-bakanlardan-ortak-paylasim-947931.html
