Galatasaray aims to increase RAMS Park capacity

Galatasaray Club Board Member Bora Bahçetepe announced that they are carrying out work to increase the capacity of RAMS Park. Bahçetepe stated that larger-scale projects are technically possible within the existing stadium structure, but that the club is currently focusing on a gradual capacity increase within the limits permitted by UEFA.

Bahçetepe noted that board member Sedat Artukoğlu examined the stadium's static structure when he took office in 2024, stating that it is possible to add stands to the upper sections by raising the roof. However, pointing out that this option is a comprehensive project requiring significant investment, Bahçetepe said, “We are currently increasing capacity within the limits allowed by UEFA. In other words, we are increasing capacity by adding 300-500 seats every year.”

The Galatasaray executive said they have also started work to add extra seats inside some of the luxury boxes. Stating that this arrangement will be made in accordance with UEFA norms, Bahçetepe expressed that the application will create a significant source of income for both the stadium and the club.

PITCH, FANS, AND NEW PROJECTS

Bahçetepe explained that they start regular maintenance work on the RAMS Park pitch after every championship, and that mowing, sanding, and fertilizing operations are carried out by expert teams. He stated that the club has an agricultural engineer on staff and that they work with a company that has international experience regarding stadium turf.

Emphasizing that summer heat in Istanbul affects turf quality, Bahçetepe said that the temperature measured at 30 degrees in the stands can rise up to 40 degrees on the soil and grass surface, and that they saw 52 degrees last year. Stating that the summer months this season have been cooler compared to last year, Bahçetepe expressed that the condition of the pitch is in better shape.

Stating that the atmosphere at RAMS Park is an important strength for the club, Bahçetepe noted that they are in constant communication with fan groups. Emphasizing that fans, in addition to the technical staff, players, and management, have a major contribution to championships, Bahçetepe noted that their biggest problem in away matches is the insufficient ticket quota.

Touching on the technological innovations made in the stadium, Bahçetepe said that in addition to the two large scoreboards, the LED strips placed under and above the luxury boxes contribute to both the match atmosphere and advertising revenues. Bahçetepe expressed that with these arrangements, sponsorship revenues are expected to increase to approximately three times what they were two years ago in foreign currency terms.

"THE LION'S ROAD WILL BE RENOVATED"

Explaining that they are planning a small expansion behind the goals that will increase fan unity, Bahçetepe announced that they have also prepared a renovation project for the section known as the “Lion's Road” (Aslanlı Yol). Bahçetepe said they aim for fans to feel the “atmosphere of the arena” while walking from the metro to the stadium.

Speaking about the demand for standing-room match viewing, Bahçetepe reminded that UEFA only allows this practice in certain countries. Stating that such an arrangement in Turkey would require the approval of the Ministry of Interior and the Turkish Football Federation, Bahçetepe expressed that if permission is granted, the three major Istanbul clubs could invest in standing-room applications behind the goals, which could increase capacity by approximately 8,000 people.

Bahçetepe also said that the Aslantepe Valley project will transform the area around RAMS Park into a true sports complex. Stating that basketball and volleyball halls, a swimming pool, a judo hall, an administrative building, and a large parking area are planned within the scope of the project, Bahçetepe noted that this structure will be an important gain for Galatasaray and Istanbul.