Bursa Atatürk Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium in Bursa, Turkey. It was currently used mostly for football matches and was the home ground of Bursaspor. The stadium holds 25,213 and was built in 1979. A stadium has existed on this site since 1930 when a stand with a capacity of 300 was built for an amateur football club. The stadium was demolished in 2016.
Capacity extended
It was given an extensive refurbishment after Bursaspor's Championship winning season 2009–10 to make it fit for UEFA regulations and participation for the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League. The capacity, which was originally 18,517 was increased to 25,213 as well as exterior upgrades taking place. It was one of the nine candidate host stadiums of Turkish bid for UEFA Euro 2016, after reconstruction.
New stadium plans
The New Bursa Atatürk Stadium, also known as the Timsah Arena, is a reconstruction project by Bursa City Council. The stadium's project was introduced to the Turkish press on July 10, 2009. It will have a seating capacity for 45,000 spectators and will be totally covered. Construction works are scheduled to be completed in 24–30 months.
Architectural form
Hexagonal figures found in the green mosque of Bursa as part of the historical Islamic art deduced the structure of the roof structure. The transformation into a significant architectural frame is the basic idea for the New Bursa Stadium. The smooth transition from the stadium roof into a tree roof makes the stadium naturally situated. The arena is not only a stadium – is marks a new meeting point for the locals in the heart of the city. The VIP, Sponsor hospitality and media areas are situated in the west stand at the park side of the stadium. A multifunctional use is designated and contains different events in the stadium bowl as well as the permanent use of the restaurants, cafeterias and kiosks around. The compact design of the main stand building, the shadowing of internal areas by the extended roof joined by natural daylight due to the translucent roof cover, use of grey water, permanent local gas cogeneration and roof integrated solar panels not only reduce the energy necessity of the stadium but contain also the chance for the stadium operator to supply the neighbourhood with excessive power. Furthermore, according to the building sustainability long-life recyclable materials produced with a minimized energy input are applied as far as possible.
Getting there
The stadium and the surrounding park are well connected with the public transport system with a metro, a tram and a bus station aside. Also the city centre is just a minutes-walk away.
