Beşiktaş: Vodafone Arena (41,900 seats) in Istanbul, will be energy self-sufficient

Beşiktaş FC (Turkey) has unveiled a series of technological and environmental innovations at the Vodafone Arena, currently under construction in Istanbul, on 12/02/2014. The future venue of 41,900 seats is built on the site of the old Inönü stadium (32,000 seats). Work began on 03/06/2013.

The roof of the new stadium will be constructed out of transparent photovoltaic panels, allowing the stadium to be energy self-sufficient. Vodafone Arena is expected to produce 500 kWh of electricity, enough for the needs of about 100 homes. Beşiktaş, owners of the stadium, will generate enough electricity to sell some, the club said. The roof will also be equipped with a rainwater recovery system.

The naming contract for Vodafone Arena is worth €86.5m over the next 10 years. The British multi-national telecommunications company will pay €8.6m per year to Beşiktaş until the end of the 2023-24 season, with a possible five year extension. The cost of work is estimated at €74.6m, a sum less than the value of the naming contract.

The delivery of the upgraded venue is expected in November 2014.

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