Samsun 19 Mayıs Stadium (Turkish: Samsun 19 Mayıs Stadyumu) is a multi‑purpose football stadium located in the city of Samsun, Turkey. The venue is named for 19 May 1919, the date of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s arrival in Samsun, which marked the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence.
Current (New) Stadium
- Location: Canik district, Samsun, Turkey
- Opening: 27 July 2017, inaugurated for the 2017 Summer Universiade
- Owner: Ministry of Youth and Sports (Turkey)
- Operator: Samsunspor A.Ş.
- Surface: Natural grass
- Capacity: 33,919 seated spectators (all‑seated)
- Primary Tenant: Samsunspor (professional football club)
- Other Uses: The stadium has hosted athletics competitions, concerts, and other public events.
Design and Facilities
The stadium was constructed to meet UEFA Category 4 standards, featuring a roof covering all spectator stands, modern lighting systems, a VIP lounge, media facilities, and an athletics track surrounding the football pitch. The architectural design emphasizes integration with the surrounding urban area and adherence to international safety regulations.
Historical Context
The name “19 Mayıs” is widely used for public facilities in Turkey to commemorate the pivotal 1919 landing of Atatürk in Samsun. Prior to the construction of the present stadium, Samsun’s primary football venue was the original 19 Mayıs Stadium, which operated from 1975 until its demolition in 2019 following the opening of the new facility.
Original 19 Mayıs Stadium (1975–2019)
- Opening: 1975
- Capacity: Approximately 16,480 seated spectators
- Primary Tenant: Samsunspor (until relocation to the new stadium)
- Demolition: Completed in 2019; the site was cleared for redevelopment.
Events of Note
- 2017 Summer Universiade: Hosted the opening ceremony and athletics competitions.
- Turkish Cup Matches: Regularly used for Türkiye Kupası fixtures involving Samsunspor and other domestic clubs.
- Concerts and Cultural Events: The venue has accommodated large‑scale performances by Turkish and international artists.
Accessibility
The stadium is accessible via major roadways, public bus routes, and is within walking distance of the Samsun metropolitan transit network. Parking facilities are available for both private vehicles and coach transportation.
Future Prospects
As a modern sports infrastructure, Samsun 19 Mayıs Stadium is positioned to host future national and international sporting events, including potential matches for UEFA qualification rounds and regional athletic competitions.
