Surprise stadium decision from Fenerbahçe: Everything back to square one

Fenerbahçe Board Member in Charge of Stadium Management, Adem Köz, made statements regarding the reinforcement works, projects, capacity expansion, stand safety, living stadium model, season tickets, Marathon E block, and ticketing methods for the Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex, where the Fenerbahçe men's football team plays its matches.

"WE ARE CONSIDERING A COMPREHENSIVE RENOVATION FOR THE FENERBAHÇE STADIUM"

Addressing the discussions on social media regarding the potential relocation of the stadium and the subsequent statements by Fenerbahçe High Council President Şekip Mosturoğlu that moving the stadium is not possible, Adem Köz said, "The Fenerbahçe stadium is very special to all of us. At the same time, this is the birthplace of Turkish football. Our stadium, located in the area once known as Papazın Çayırı, is currently our heart. We have no agenda to move the stadium from here. We are having discussions about its development and organization; there is no question of moving it. In fact, as a result of the investments we have made here, we are considering a comprehensive renovation for the Fenerbahçe Stadium," he assessed.

"REINFORCING THE STADIUM IS A VITAL ISSUE FOR THE CLUB"

Speaking about the reinforcement works, Köz said, "Reinforcement and capacity expansion are comprehensive processes. Fenerbahçe is acting corporately with its history regarding this, and we are continuing that. Our stadium is in a fully secure environment against earthquake and safety regulations. With the expansion of the stadium, new additional measures need to be taken. The project design for all of these is ongoing. This is a vital issue for this club. Since it is a matter that must be started by taking into account the match schedule and other factors, our work is currently continuing," he stated.

"INFORMATION IS AWAITED FROM THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS"

Adem Köz also shared the latest status regarding the retractable seat application for standing areas tested behind the goals in the recent period with the following words:

"Along with us, teams like Beşiktaş and Göztepe have also made this application. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has not yet given a clear answer. A clear answer has not been received because they have not finished the technical specifications regarding evacuation and other issues after conducting their technical examinations. It is not just an issue for us; since the decision to be made will apply to all stadiums in Turkey, information is awaited from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The matter is currently on hold."

"WE ARE VERY SENSITIVE ABOUT HUMAN SAFETY"

Regarding which risks were identified in the technical examinations conducted at the stadium, the yellow-navy board member said, "In line with the reports provided, our stadium is in a very safe condition. We lost our brother Koray Şener due to a heart attack at an away game. For this reason, we are very sensitive about human safety. In the event of any sudden illness of our fans, our stadium security and medical staff intervene immediately. We possess all the equipment for this. All our preparations are very good," he said.

"IT WAS SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE NO SITUATION OF PLAYING MATCHES IN ANOTHER STADIUM"

Answering the question of how the planning was done during the stadium renovation, Adem Köz gave examples from the construction works carried out in the 2000s: "In 1999 and 2000, I personally witnessed the stadium expansion phase. Actually, we were only going to expand the areas behind the goals, and the Marathon and Numbered Stands were going to remain. After building the two stands, we saw that it could also be done in the Marathon, so we did it in stages and played all our matches here. In the projects presented to us and previously worked on, it was said that the roofs over the towers would be removed and the operations would be carried out, and thus the material to be used for reinforcement activities would be made outside and the operations would be applied here, so it was stated that there would be no situation of playing matches in another stadium. This situation was the work of that day's efforts. If there is a larger project in the coming days and if construction begins, we cannot foresee how it will be at the moment," he replied.

"IMPROVEMENTS BEYOND THE CURRENT STATE CAN BE MADE AT FENERBAHÇE STADIUM"

Adding that it would be difficult to reinforce an existing structure, Adem Köz said, "We will not be able to do everything we want. Improvements beyond the current state can be made. Some improvements in the Fenerium Stand can be made very quickly. Especially in terms of the use of social areas. Of course, our space in the areas behind the goals and the Marathon Stand is limited. Here, along with capacity expansion, environmental planning is also very important. It is not just a matter related to us; it is a matter that concerns the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Match exits are already crowded and busy. I experienced this in England as well. To prevent a stampede at the entrances and exits of Wembley, they would stop people at a certain point and make them wait. Therefore, the job does not end with expanding the stadium; one must also consider the environmental layout and transportation to this place," he explained.

"WE MUST INCREASE OUR FANS' HABIT OF COMING TO MATCHES"

Fenerbahçe Board Member Adem Köz also provided information regarding capacity expansion. Köz said, "The situation is more about using the stadium effectively rather than expanding it. The Fenerbahçe Stadium has the highest occupancy rate, but it can sometimes be left alone depending on the current situation. We are full in some matches, we fall behind in certain matches. The important thing here is to increase our fans' habit of coming to matches. In the next situation, one needs to think about how economical and reasonable the capacity expansion will be. I do not think that capacity expansion alone will provide a benefit due to our ticket shortage in a Galatasaray or Beşiktaş match," he said.

THE ENGLISH MODEL AT SARACOĞLU

Sharing his impressions about his recent visit to England and his experiences, the yellow-navy executive said, "This trip was very productive. We had a trip for the maintenance of the grass pitch in our field and the purchase of the necessary equipment for this maintenance. The company there hosted us. We visited approximately 6 stadiums. We also visited 3 club buildings. We need to take inspiration from England in terms of technology and layout. They are providing this transformation. Stadiums have turned into a livable space other than a place where matches are played. We have a space problem where our stadium is located. It is difficult to realize these all at once, but if we can provide the standardization there in certain subjects as a basis, at least we will have provided a benefit to our club. We have halogen lamps related to the maintenance of the grass pitch currently in our stadium. Fenerbahçe was the first to bring this to Turkey. We are going to do an LED conversion now. We will be the pioneers again. When I looked at the event with the eyes of both a fan and an executive during our trip, the temples of football are truly located there. Large investments have been made in these, and I think their returns will come in time. Can we apply what we saw there here? Yes, we are working on them," he assessed.

"WE CAN TURN OUR OWN STADIUM INTO A LIVING SPACE"

Mentioning the economic and social contributions of the region where the stadium is located, Adem Köz continued as follows:

"We see that European stadiums are used not only on match days but also outside of match days. They hold concerts or events very easily. Some living spaces have also been created. They have turned it into a situation where cafes and social responsibility projects are carried out inside the stadium during the week. The Tottenham Stadium turns into a place where a concert can be given within 4-5 hours, the ground is removed and it is not damaged. It is designed accordingly. VIP sections and lounge areas are very well planned. It has been turned into a living space. And it also attracts a lot of attention. We can do these in our own stadium as well."

"WE ARE PREPARING A LOYALTY PROGRAM FOR SEASON TICKETS"

Adem Köz touched upon the decisions the board of directors will make regarding season tickets for the next season. Köz said, "We have serious work regarding the number of season tickets. Especially when I look at the statistics, it was around 25 thousand before we came to the administration, and it rose to 32 thousand with us. Because we had promised season tickets. The participation rate within these 32 thousand season tickets is very low. Season ticket transfers, and the situation of not coming; when we look at the season as a whole, it remains low. We will increase participation. A rule was set at the beginning of this season; the 12-match rule. We will not renew the season tickets of those who do not comply with this rule. Thus, we will make room for those waiting in line. We are also planning to apply an extra discount to those who go to 12 matches or more due to their loyalty. The main goal here is not to limit the number but to maximize participation. Therefore, we will have around 30 thousand season ticket sales. But we will not provide any flexibility in the 12-match rule. Health problems and some special situations will be excluded. Our fans coming from Anatolia; the issue of ticket access is very important. We are preparing a loyalty program. There must be a rule for who buys tickets and how. We are thinking of determining a separate quota for our fans coming from Anatolia and evaluating it within that quota. It is difficult to access a Fenerbahçe match ticket, but we will explain in a little more detail for what reasons this access will be. This takes time. From now on, instead of limiting the season ticket, we need to pay attention to its effective part. In Europe, you cannot find tickets for most matches. Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, teams in England; all of them have a loyalty program. Our target regarding the number of season tickets is around 30 thousand, but we can revise it," he said.

"THE OLD INTEGRITY WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE MARATHON LOWER STAND"

Regarding the Marathon E block, which has become a subject of debate among yellow-navy fans, Adem Köz said, "Our construction unit has started work regarding the Marathon Lower E Block. It will be returned to its old state. There will be no loss of income here, we will also earn extra income because the number of seats will increase. The dining area below will also be preserved in the same way. By continuing the special VIP status there, sales are foreseen on demand for the entire Marathon Lower Stand, according to the pricing there. The old integrity will be provided. This was a subject we promised before the election, we will realize this. Currently, the season ticket holder has a right there, we will be able to start an arrangement there after the season ends. Matches are currently continuing, we will realize this at the end of the season," he said.

"WE SIGNED A PROPOSAL TWICE AS MUCH WITH PASSOLIG"

Reminding that the Fenerbahçe administration recently made a new agreement with Passolig, the Fenerbahçe executive said that it would take time for the club to implement its own ticketing system. Köz said, "All teams in Turkey had entered the electronic ticket system, we had entered 1 year later. At that time, our President Aziz Yıldırım had stood firm and done work on making our own ticket. Then, due to some legal difficulties, it was necessary to continue with Passolig. At the point we have reached today, until 1 year ago, the only service provider was still Passolig. Later, other companies started to get involved in the business. Clubs can also make their own ticketing systems in the coming periods. Currently, there is no team that makes its own ticketing system. Starting this project and building its infrastructure will take a certain amount of time. It is necessary to invest for this. Today, you cannot immediately say, 'I am making and selling my own ticket.' Because there is the TFF on one side and the e-government leg on the other. Due to its integration, the security issue, and the technology and application to provide these will take a certain amount of time. When we took office, our contract with Passolig had expired. Because this work was not done, and when we asked, it was stated that this work could take 2 or 3 years for its technical infrastructure. Under these conditions, we agreed with Passolig to act quickly. We signed a proposal twice as much," he concluded his words.

News Source: İHA