The Top Football and Basketball Teams in Izmir and How to Get Tickets

Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city, boasts a rich sporting heritage with passionate fans supporting local teams across multiple sports. Football and basketball are particularly popular, with several clubs competing at the highest levels of Turkish sports. This guide explores Izmir's top football and basketball teams, their histories, home venues, and how visitors and locals can experience the electric atmosphere of live sports in the city.

Football (Soccer) Teams

1. Göztepe S.K.

Founded: 1925

Home Stadium: Gürsel Aksel Stadium

• Location: Mithatpaşa Caddesi No:1019, Göztepe, Konak, 35290 Izmir

• Capacity: 20,040
  

Team Colours: Yellow and Red

Website: www.goztepe.org.tr

Ticket Information: passo.com.tr/tr/taraftar/goztepe-sk

History and Achievements: Göztepe is one of Izmir's oldest and most successful football clubs, with a rich history of domestic and international achievements. Founded in 1925 in the Göztepe neighborhood, the club quickly rose to prominence in Turkish football. Their golden era came in the late 1960s when they won back-to-back Turkish Cups in 1969 and 1970.

Göztepe made history as the first Turkish team to reach the semi-finals of a European competition (the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1968-69), defeating clubs like Cardiff City and Hamburger SV before falling to Slovan Bratislava. The club has spent many seasons in the Süper Lig (Turkey's top division) throughout its history.

After facing financial difficulties and dropping to lower divisions in the early 2000s, Göztepe experienced a revival following its acquisition by businessman Mehmet Sepil in 2014. The club returned to the Süper Lig in 2017 and moved into their new modern stadium, Gürsel Aksel Stadium, in 2020.

Fan Experience: Göztepe fans, known as "Göztepeliler," are renowned for their passionate support and colorful displays. The atmosphere at home matches is electric, with organized chants, flares, and spectacular tifos (choreographed fan displays). The Yalı (Shoreside) fan group is particularly famous for creating one of Turkey's most intimidating atmospheres for visiting teams.

Getting Tickets: Tickets for Göztepe matches can be purchased through the Passo ticketing system, either online or at the stadium ticket office. Prices typically range from 70 TL to 300 TL depending on the seat location and the importance of the match. For high-profile games against teams like Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, or Beşiktaş, it's advisable to purchase tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly.

Foreign visitors should bring their passport when purchasing tickets, as the Turkish Football Federation requires ID information for all ticket sales. The Passo system requires registration, which can be completed online or at the ticket office.

2. Altay S.K.

Founded: 1914

Home Stadium: Alsancak Mustafa Denizli Stadium

• Location: Alsancak Mahallesi, 1476 Sokak No:1, Konak, 35220 Izmir

• Capacity: 15,000
  

Team Colours: Black and White

Website: www.altay.org.tr

Ticket Information: passo.com.tr/tr/taraftar/altay

History and Achievements: Altay is Izmir's oldest professional football club, established in 1914. Named after a Central Asian Turkish commander, the club has a distinguished history in Turkish football. Altay was one of the founding members of the Turkish national league system and competed in the first official Turkish National Division in 1959.

The club's golden age came in the 1960s and 1970s when they were regular contenders in the top flight, finishing as high as second place in the 1969-70 season. Altay has won the Turkish Cup twice (1967 and 1980) and produced several players for the Turkish national team.

After spending several years in lower divisions, Altay returned to the Süper Lig in 2021 after a 18-year absence, though they have since fluctuated between the top two divisions. The club has historically been associated with Izmir's intellectuals and urban population.

Fan Experience: Altay matches offer a different atmosphere compared to Göztepe, with a slightly more traditional and nostalgic feel. The club's fan group, "Büyük Altay" (Great Altay), creates a vibrant atmosphere with their black and white displays. The recently renovated Alsancak Stadium, renamed after local coaching legend Mustafa Denizli, provides a modern yet intimate setting for matches.

Getting Tickets: Like all Turkish professional football clubs, Altay uses the Passo system for ticket sales. Prices are generally more affordable than Göztepe matches, ranging from 50 TL to 200 TL. Tickets can be purchased online through the Passo website or mobile app, as well as at the stadium ticket office (open on match days and usually 3-4 days before matches).

Foreign visitors need their passport information to complete the purchase and may need to show the physical passport when entering the stadium. The ticket includes assigned seating, and it's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before kick-off due to security checks.

3. Karşıyaka S.K. (Football Section)

Founded: 1912

Home Stadium: Karşıyaka Stadium

• Location: 1738 Sokak, Karşıyaka, 35530 Izmir

• Capacity: 14,400 (New stadium under construction - temporary venue in use)
  

Team Colours: Green and Red

Website: www.ksk.org.tr

Ticket Information: passo.com.tr/tr/taraftar/karsiyaka

History and Achievements: Karşıyaka S.K. is one of Turkey's oldest multisport clubs, founded in 1912 in the Karşıyaka district of Izmir. While the club is currently more prominent in basketball, its football section has a storied history. Karşıyaka was one of the first clubs to be established in the Ottoman Empire and has been a mainstay of Izmir football for over a century.

The team's highest achievement in football was reaching the Turkish Cup final in 1987, where they finished as runners-up. Karşıyaka spent several seasons in the Süper Lig during the 1980s and 1990s but has primarily competed in the second and third tiers of Turkish football in recent decades.

The club is currently playing in lower divisions but maintains a strong local following. Their new stadium project has faced delays but is expected to provide the team with a modern home venue upon completion.

Fan Experience: Despite playing in lower divisions, Karşıyaka matches attract dedicated fans with a unique identity. The "35.5" fan group (named after the district's postal code) is known for their unwavering support regardless of the team's divisional status. The intense rivalry with Göztepe results in one of Turkish football's most passionate derbies when the teams meet.

Getting Tickets: Tickets for Karşıyaka football matches are generally easy to obtain and affordable, with prices typically ranging from 30 TL to 100 TL. They can be purchased through the Passo system online or at the stadium on match days. Since the club is currently using a temporary venue while waiting for their new stadium, it's advisable to check the exact match location when planning to attend.

Basketball Teams

1. Pınar Karşıyaka

Founded: 1966 (Basketball section of Karşıyaka S.K.)

Home Arena: Karşıyaka Arena

• Location: 1738 Sokak, Karşıyaka, 35530 Izmir

• Capacity: 5,000

Team Colours: Green and Red

Website: www.ksk.org.tr/basketbol

Ticket Information: biletix.com/search/KARSIYAKA/tr

History and Achievements: Pınar Karşıyaka is the basketball section of Karşıyaka Sports Club and has become one of Turkey's most successful basketball teams. Sponsored by food company Pınar since 1998, the team competes in the Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL) and regularly participates in European competitions.

Karşıyaka's greatest achievement came in 2015 when they won the Turkish Basketball Super League championship, defeating traditional powerhouse Fenerbahçe in the finals. They have also won the Turkish Cup (2014) and Turkish President's Cup (2014), establishing themselves as a major force in Turkish basketball.

The team has participated in various European competitions, including EuroLeague, EuroCup, and FIBA Champions League, with their best European performance coming in the 2015-16 EuroCup when they reached the quarterfinals.

Fan Experience: Basketball games at Karşıyaka Arena offer an intense atmosphere that rivals many larger European arenas. The compact venue gets extremely loud, with fans known for their coordinated chants and continuous support throughout games. "KSK Tribün" (the fan group) creates an intimidating environment for visiting teams, making it one of the most challenging away venues in Turkish basketball.

Getting Tickets: Tickets for Pınar Karşıyaka home games can be purchased through Biletix (Turkey's equivalent of Ticketmaster) online or at the arena on game days. Prices typically range from 50 TL to 150 TL depending on the seat location and the importance of the match. For high-profile games and European competition matches, it's recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

The arena is easily accessible via public transportation, with multiple bus lines and the Izmir Metro serving the Karşıyaka district. Foreign visitors need to bring identification to match their ticket information.

2. Türk Telekom (formerly Pınar Karşıyaka's rival club)

While not currently based in Izmir (now in Ankara), it's worth mentioning that until 2018, Izmir had another strong basketball team called Bornova Belediyespor, which was later renamed Büyükçekmece and then sold its league rights to Türk Telekom. Many basketball fans in Izmir still follow this team's journey.

3. Göztepe Basketball

Founded: 2022 (Current professional team - the club has a longer history in basketball)

Home Arena: Göztepe Sports Hall

• Location: Mithatpaşa Caddesi, Göztepe, Konak, 35290 Izmir

• Capacity: 2,500

Team Colours: Yellow and Red

Website: www.goztepe.org.tr/basketbol

Ticket Information: biletix.com/search/GOZTEPE/tr

History and Achievements: Göztepe has recently invested in rebuilding its basketball section, aiming to compete at higher levels of Turkish basketball. While the football team has been the club's main focus historically, Göztepe did have successful basketball teams in previous decades.

The current project is relatively new, with the team competing in lower divisions and working its way up the Turkish basketball hierarchy. The club has ambitious plans to eventually compete at the highest level and develop a strong basketball program alongside its football operations.

Fan Experience: As the team is still building its basketball culture, attendance is growing but not yet at the level of Karşıyaka's basketball games. However, the passionate Göztepe fan base is beginning to bring some of the football atmosphere to basketball games, creating an interesting developing basketball environment.

Getting Tickets: Tickets are generally affordable and easy to obtain, with prices typically ranging from 30 TL to 100 TL. They can be purchased through Biletix or at the venue on game days.

Tips for Attending Sports Events in Izmir

Football Match Tips:

1. Arrive Early: Security checks at Turkish football stadiums are thorough and can take time, especially for high-profile matches.

2. Passolig Card: All professional football matches in Turkey require a Passolig card (a fan card linked to your identity). Tourists can obtain temporary Passolig cards using their passport information. This process can be completed online or at stadium service points.

3. Seating Considerations: For the best atmosphere, seats behind the goals (usually sections named "Kale Arkası") offer the most passionate experience but can be intimidating for first-timers. For a more balanced experience, side stands ("Maraton" or "Kapalı Tribün") provide good views and atmosphere.

4. Derby Days: The Izmir derby between Göztepe and Karşıyaka (when they play in the same division) is one of Turkey's most intense rivalries. These matches offer an unforgettable atmosphere but come with heightened security and potential for confrontations between fan groups.

5. Food and Drink: Most Turkish stadiums offer basic food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is not sold in Turkish football stadiums.
   

Basketball Game Tips:

1. More Family-Friendly: Basketball games generally offer a more family-friendly environment than football matches, though still passionate.

2. Seating: Basketball arenas are smaller and more intimate than football stadiums. Almost all seats offer good views of the action.

3. European Games: When Izmir teams compete in European competitions (usually Pınar Karşıyaka), the atmosphere is particularly special and worth experiencing.

4. Pre-purchase Recommended: For top-tier basketball matches, especially playoffs or European games, pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended.
   

General Tips:

1. Public Transportation: Both football stadiums and basketball arenas in Izmir are well-served by public transportation. The Izmir Metro and bus system provide convenient access to most venues.

2. Language: While most ticket websites operate primarily in Turkish, they usually have English options. At venues, English-speaking assistance may be limited, but staff are generally helpful to foreign visitors.

3. Local Experience: Attending a sports event offers insight into local culture and passion that few other activities can match. Even if you're not a sports fan, the atmosphere of an Izmir derby or a European basketball night is a cultural experience worth having.

4. Social Media: Following the teams on social media (especially Instagram and Twitter) provides the most up-to-date information on match times, ticket sales, and special events.
   

Conclusion

Izmir offers rich sporting experiences for both football and basketball enthusiasts. From the passionate support of Göztepe football fans to the intense atmosphere of Karşıyaka basketball games, the city's sports culture reflects the vibrant and emotional character of Izmir itself.

Whether you're a dedicated sports fan or simply looking to experience local culture, attending a match provides an authentic glimpse into the heart and soul of Izmir. The relatively affordable ticket prices (compared to many European leagues) make these sporting events accessible to visitors, while the passion of local fans ensures an unforgettable experience.

As with many aspects of Turkish culture, sports in Izmir are characterized by color, noise, emotion, and hospitality – making a match day experience much more than just watching a game, but rather participating in a community ritual that has defined the city's identity for generations.