Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Stadium is a 43,361-capacity football arena in Osmangazi district; opened in 2015, it hosts Bursaspor with its crocodile-shaped roof design.
Timsah Arena, officially Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Stadium (also known as Atatürk Sports Complex Matlı Stadium due to a sponsorship agreement), opened in 2015. It is the home ground of Bursaspor. With a capacity of 43,361, it was designed according to UEFA 2016 criteria; it is a structure built on 6 floors and 8 blocks. It takes its name from its steel construction roof, which resembles a crocodile's back when viewed from the outside. This resemblance is not equally clear to everyone; some comments even say, "they couldn't make it look like a crocodile."
On match days, the real story of this place unfolds. Visitors talk about the atmosphere in the stands, especially the moments of chanting called "cendere." Some describe it as more than just an ordinary sports facility, but a spiritual place for fans. There are complaints about seat width. Some say that the legroom and side space are narrow, so it's useful to pay attention to the stand area when buying tickets. As of 2026, renovation work is ongoing around the stadium for new social areas and seating.
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Guide's Note
About the Stadium
Timsah Arena opened in 2015 and Bursaspor plays its matches here. Its official name is Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Stadium, but due to a sponsorship agreement, it is also referred to as Atatürk Sports Complex Matlı Stadium. The 43,361-capacity structure was built in accordance with UEFA's 2016 stadium criteria. It consists of a total of 6 floors, including 3 above-ground floors, 2 basement floors, and 1 platform floor, and 8 blocks.
How to Get There?
For metro users, Paşaçiftliği station is the closest point, a 9-minute walk to the stadium. Those preferring the bus can get off at lines 2C, 771, B39, B5, and E13; Dikkaldırım stop is another option. The Bursaspor and Hat Cd. stops are 6-7 minutes and 4 minutes walk away, respectively. Public transport is more practical than private cars on match days due to heavy traffic.
When to Visit?
The true experience of this place happens during Bursaspor's home matches. When the stands are full during derby and important league matches, the 'cendere' chant, often mentioned by visitors, reaches its most intense form. It is also possible to visit on an ordinary day and see the stadium from the outside. But to feel the atmosphere inside, a match day is essential.
Things to Pay Attention To
Some visitors complain about seat comfort; they say that the legroom and side space are narrow, and the seats feel cramped 'like a minibus'. Paying attention to the stand and row selection when buying tickets is important, especially for tall spectators. As of 2026, renovation and landscaping work is ongoing around the stadium, so there may be temporary changes at some entry points.
Photo Spots
The most striking aspect of the stadium from the outside is its green steel construction roof, which resembles a crocodile's back. Taking photos from this angle in daylight is popular. Inside, the general view of the full stands, especially shots taken from the upper floors, are among the best points to capture the match atmosphere.
Other Places Nearby
The stadium is located in the Osmangazi district, near the Acemler Transfer Center. Through this transfer center, bus connections are provided to other parts of the city, including districts like Orhaneli and Büyükorhan. Once the social area arrangements around the stadium are completed, the area seems likely to become usable for walking and seating even on non-match days.
FAQ
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