Abdi İpekçi Arena

Visiting Abdi İpekçi Arena & Basketball Development Center (BGM) in Istanbul: Comprehensive Guide to Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in Istanbul’s historic Zeytinburnu district, the Abdi İpekçi Arena was an iconic venue in Turkish sports and culture for nearly three decades. While the original arena was demolished in 2018, its legacy lives on through the state-of-the-art Basketball Development Center (Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi, BGM), which opened in 2024. This guide explores the storied past of Abdi İpekçi Arena, details the features of the modern BGM, and provides practical information for visitors—covering tickets, hours, location, accessibility, nearby attractions, and travel tips.

History and Significance
Architectural Features
Role in Turkish Sports and Culture
Transition to the Basketball Development Center
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access
Facilities & Amenities
Events and Experiences
Getting There
Accessibility and Visitor Tips
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Sources

History and Significance

Abdi İpekçi Arena: A Landmark of Turkish Sports

Conceived in 1979 and opened in 1989, Abdi İpekçi Arena was named after the prominent journalist Abdi İpekçi, symbolizing a commitment to press freedom and modern values. For nearly 30 years, it was Istanbul’s premier indoor sports venue, hosting top basketball clubs like Anadolu Efes, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and Beşiktaş. The arena also accommodated volleyball, wrestling, concerts, and international cultural events, embedding itself into Istanbul’s collective memory (Wikiwand - Abdi İpekçi Arena).

Key Milestones

1989: Official opening after a decade-long construction.
1992: Hosted EuroLeague Final Four.
2001 & 2010: Venue for EuroBasket finals and FIBA World Championship matches.
2017-2018: Closed and demolished to make way for a new basketball complex.

Architectural Features of the Original Arena

Abdi İpekçi Arena featured:

Seating Capacity: 12,270
Multi-purpose Design: Equipped for basketball, volleyball, concerts, and exhibitions
Modern Facilities: VIP suites, press rooms, locker rooms, and a 1,500-vehicle parking lot
Accessibility: Wheelchair access, elevators, and designated seating for disabled visitors

Role in Turkish Sports and Culture

Basketball and Beyond

As the home ground for leading Turkish basketball clubs, the arena hosted local league matches, Turkish Cup finals, and EuroLeague games. It was also a central venue for the Turkish national basketball teams, contributing to the sport’s national growth.

Cultural and Entertainment Hub

The arena’s versatility made it ideal for concerts, exhibitions, and international events such as the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest and major performances by global artists (Wikiwand - Abdi İpekçi Arena).

Transition: From Abdi İpekçi Arena to Basketball Development Center

The End of an Era

By the late 2010s, the arena’s infrastructure lagged behind newer venues. Demolished in 2018, its site was repurposed for the Turkish Basketball Federation’s (TBF) modern vision—a comprehensive development center (Wikipedia - Basketball Development Center).

The New Basketball Development Center (BGM)

Opened: 2024
Area: 68,800 m², with 150,000 m² construction
Main Arena Capacity: 10,000 seats
Additional Facilities:

Secondary and training halls
Outdoor 3x3 courts
Athlete accommodation and camps
Fitness centers and wellness facilities
TBF Basketball Sport High School
Parking for 417 cars, 25 buses
Sustainability: 15,000 m² of green space, solar panels
(tr.wikipedia - Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi; haber.mynet.com)

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Visiting Hours

General: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (may vary on event days)
Event Days: Refer to the official calendar for exact times
Tours: Guided tours may be available upon request through TBF

Tickets

Range: 50–300 Turkish Lira, according to event and seating
Where to Buy:
- Biletwise - Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi
- Venue box office
Tip: Book in advance, especially for high-profile games

Facilities & Amenities

Seating: Excellent sightlines; designated accessible seating
Food & Beverage: Cafes, snack bars, and local/international options
Merchandise Stores: Official team and event memorabilia
Wi-Fi: Free in public areas
Restrooms: Clean and accessible
Parking: On-site, but limited during major events; public transport recommended

Events and Experiences

Major Basketball Events

Opening: 37th Men’s Basketball President’s Cup, 2024
International Tournaments: FIBA Europe SuperCup, EuroBasket qualifiers (Wikipedia - Basketball Development Center)
Club Matches: Anadolu Efes, Galatasaray, and national team home games

Other Activities

Youth development programs
School competitions
Community events and exhibitions

Getting There

Address: Kazlıçeşme Mah., 10. Yıl Cad. No: 2/1, 34020 Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
Metro: M1A line to Zeytinburnu Station (5-minute walk)
Train: Yedikule station nearby
Bus/Dolmuş: Multiple routes serve the area
From Airports:
- IST: ~44 km (39 min by taxi; ~1hr 15min by public transport)
- SAW: Via shuttle, metro, and taxi
Car: Accessible via major roads; parking available but limited during events

(haber.mynet.com; public transport planners)

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

Accessibility: Step-free entrances, ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms
Security: Bag checks, metal detectors, no weapons/fireworks/smoking
Language: Turkish is primary; English widely spoken at events
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY); cards widely accepted

Tips:

Arrive early to avoid crowds and clear security
Use public transport when possible due to event traffic
Dress comfortably; hydration is recommended
Check event policies on photography and items permitted

Nearby Attractions

Yedikule Fortress: Byzantine fortification, walking distance
Walls of Constantinople: Visible from venue, ideal for sightseeing
Kazlıçeşme Park: Relaxing green space nearby
Accommodation: Hotels in Zeytinburnu, Fatih, Bakırköy, Sultanahmet districts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the original Abdi İpekçi Arena still standing?
A: No, it was demolished in 2018. The modern Basketball Development Center now occupies the site.

Q: Where can I buy tickets for BGM events?
A: Online via Biletwise or at the venue.

Q: Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with step-free access, ramps, elevators, and accessible seating/restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Tours are occasionally offered—check the TBF or arena’s official site for updates.

Q: What else can I see nearby?
A: Yedikule Fortress, the city walls, Kazlıçeşme Park, and local markets.

Conclusion

The legacy of Abdi İpekçi Arena continues through the modern Basketball Development Center, which stands as a testament to Istanbul’s commitment to sports excellence and community engagement. Whether you’re catching a major basketball event, participating in a guided tour, or exploring the rich heritage of Zeytinburnu, the BGM offers a comprehensive experience that fuses Istanbul’s past and present. Plan your visit around the event schedule, explore nearby attractions, and make use of official channels—like the Audiala app—for the latest information and tickets.

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