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Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyumu is a football stadium in the district of Fenerbahçe, in the Kadıköy region of Istanbul, Turkey. It was inaugurated in 1908, renovated between 1999 and 2003 and currently increased in capacity. It is the first stadium in Turkey designed according to official football regulations in standards. It is the home ground of Fenerbahçe SK. It is also a candidate to host the 2008 UEFA Cup Final.

The stadium is unique in that most Turkish stadiums have a running track between the pitch and the stands, while here the fans are on top of the action.

The Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyumu has gone through a complete rebuilding process which involved each stand being destructed and rebuilt after one another. Every one of these stands have been built closer to the pitch, getting the fan closer to the action on the field.

This style of stadium has never before existed in Turkey, as the stands are usually separated from the pitch by a running track. The VIP section can hold 11,000 spectators. This stand includes “Box Offices” which have all been rented out from the club. These Box Offices, equipped with TV’s, Internet, work areas, dining facilities and many other luxuries, are the first of their kind in Turkey. With each the Açık stands having a 10,500 capacity, the total capacity of the stadium is 52,500.

[Source: Wikipedia]