Besiktas vs Spurs - travel advice, Istanbul - updated
Thu 11 December 2014, 11:15|
Tottenham Hotspur
Advice for fans making the trip to Istanbul, Turkey for our Europa League, Group C match against Besiktas on Thursday, December 11.
Besiktas is one of the major football clubs in Turkey and until the end of the 2012-13 season, played home matches at the Inonu Stadium, but this was closed to allow the construction of a new stadium, which is due to open in August, 2015. Therefore, they are playing home matches at the Ataturk Stadium, situated in Ikitelli, West Istanbul.
IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATION
We advised travelling fans on Friday that unfortunately Besiktas had not provided us with match tickets and we would therefore be running a ticket collection operation for all match ticket holders in Istanbul on Thursday (December 11).
This will work from:
Feronya Hotel
Abduhakhamit Street No. 58
Taksim
34437 Istanbul
Tel. +90 212 238 09 01
Fax +90 212 238 08 66
The ticket collection desk will be open from 10:00hrs and will close at 15:00hrs. Tickets will be held in the name of the lead applicant and must be collected with identification.
If the lead applicant is unable to collect the tickets, we will accept collection from a member of the group, again with identification.
Any tickets that remain uncollected will be taken to the stadium for collection outside Sector ‘R’ on production of identification, though wherever possible, we would urge all supporters to collect at the hotel to avoid any queuing or delay in entering the stadium.
OFFICIAL COACHES
Those fans who have selected to use the official coaches should go to the pick-up point at Sultanahmet Square (Blue Mosque) between 4:45pm and 5:00pm.
Only those who have indicated that they wish to travel to the Stadium using these facilities will be able to use it both before and after the match.
Update - December 11 - All fans using official coaches will need a ticket to gain access.
Fans not travelling on official coaches can use Metro and Bus lines to the stadium, details as follows:
METRO lines to the stadium:
• M2 – Taksim – Yenikapi line
• M1B – Yenikapi - Kirazli line
• M3 – Kirazli – BasaksehirMetrokent line (get off at Ikitelli Sanayi stop)
• M3 – Ikitelli Sanayi to Olimpiyat stop
• Use the same lines in the opposite direction to return to Taksim square.
BUS lines to the stadium:
• 79T Kayasehir – Taksim line
• Get off at Bahcetepe stop and take the MK11 line to the stadium.
• Bus takes off from Tarlabasi Bulvari (boulevard) off Taksim square
Fans can buy either one TENpass or two FIVEpass tickets for the above trips. Please see the IETT (Municipal Transportation) website for more details.
ATATURK STADIUM
Our fans will be located in the South Stand, section R, which has excellent catering and welfare facilities. Fans will be searched twice prior to entry, first by local Police and then by Stewards. As always, THFC Stewards will be on hand to ‘meet and greet’ and to assist with any problems.
There are excellent sight lines, although the fence to the right of the section may restrict viewing to the goal, but there will be room for movement within the stand if required.
The usual prohibited items will apply and in particular, coins and lighters will be removed prior to entry and we would advise all fans to carry minimal coins to the match. THFC Stewards will be on hand with envelopes and will retain these throughout the match to be collected at the end. As always, we would ask you to abide by the regulations at the stadium and approach a THFC Steward for any advice on the night.
Update - December 11 - No large-lens cameras will be permitted.
Flags and banners are welcome, but will be checked on entry. It is common policy and normal ground rules at football stadia in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, that flags of an overtly religious/sectarian/political nature will not be permitted and may be confiscated - please respect this request.
A decision will be taken on the night as to whether or not fans will be held back and you should listen for any announcements which may affect you.
The Club is rightly proud of its good behaviour during previous European travels and we would ask that you uphold this by respecting local amenities and cultures. Please do not place flags and banners on any building as this may cause offence.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Istanbul, largest city in Turkey, was founded in 660BC and originally known as Byzantium and as such became one of the most significant cities in history.
Spurs fans will find an abundance of tourist destinations, shopping facilities and restaurants to suit all requirements. The oldest and most famous of shopping areas is the Grand Bazaar, which has been operating since 1461 and is considered to be the oldest covered market in the world. Please dress modestly if visiting one of the many Mosques or religious shrines.
Fans arriving at the local airports will find excellent links into the city centre via metro, bus or taxi.
Euros are acceptable but Turkish Lira is recommended.
Local transport is good for those wishing to use this when travelling to and from the stadium, although the Police do not recommend the Metro as this will be the main mode of transport for local fans. Once the official party has arrived in Istanbul, they will provide information on buses and trams and this will be passed on to the fans. Please note that smoking on public transport and in public places is prohibited.
Please ensure that you have applied for and received a visa for entry into Istanbul and that you have the correct Travel Insurance. It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey and you should carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.
We recommend that you take care of personal possessions when in crowded areas and if possible, leave all valuables in your hotel safe.
If you experience any problems whilst in Istanbul, please call the Travel Line - 07917 880445. This number will be available throughout the day/evening of the match.
Finally, as always, remember that you are an Ambassador for the Club and we would respectfully request that you behave accordingly throughout the entirety of your visit.
