Location Jerusalem, Israel Surface Grass Renovated 1997-1998, 2011-2013 Capacity 31,733 Phone +972 2-678-8320 Construction cost 60 million USD | Operator City of Jerusalem Broke ground 1990 Address Jerusalem Opened 1991 Owner Jerusalem | |
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Field size 105 m × 68 m (344 ft × 223 ft) Teams Beitar Jerusalem F.C., Israel national football team, Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem F.C., Hapoel Jerusalem F.C. Similar Sammy Ofer Stadium, Bloomfield Stadium, HaMoshava Stadium, Ramat Gan Stadium, Turner Stadium | ||
The Teddy Stadium (Hebrew: אצטדיון טדי, Itztadion Teddy) is a football stadium in Jerusalem, Israel. Three football teams currently use the stadium: Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem.
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The stadium is named for long-time Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek, who was in office during the time of its construction and was one of its prominent advocates.
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History
For Beitar, the stadium was a major upgrade after years of playing at the YMCA Stadium, nicknamed "The Sandbox". In the first stage, only the west and east sides of the stadium were built, giving it a capacity of 14,000. In 1999, work was finished on a north side that increased capacity to 21,600.
The stadium itself is one of the newest in Israel and one of the few that are close to meeting all European standards. It is accessible to the disabled, has modern bathrooms, and has ample concession stands, a combination that is very difficult to find in many Israeli stadiums. The stadium has 5,000 parking spots on its premises, and is connected to the Malha Mall and its parking facilities by a pedestrian bridge.
The stadium is located at the terminus of the Begin Expressway and just past the Malha Train Station, which ensures convenient road and rail access to the rest of Israel.
With stands close to the pitch and excellent acoustics, Teddy Stadium has hosted several Israel national football team matches, the Maccabiah Games opening ceremony, and other public events.
A south side stand was completed on June 3, 2013, increasing seating capacity to 31,733.
Teddy Stadium was one of the venues for the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship and hosted the tournament's final match.
Supporters
During Beitar matches, the La Familia group occupies the eastern sections of the stadium. They are known for being the most vocal and controversial of fans in the venue.
Future
From September 2016 a new solar system which can produce 685 KW per hour is being installed on the roof of Teddy stadium.
In 2017 Teddy stadium is going to be renovated as Jerusalem municipality announced that it will assign 50 million ₪ for upgrading the stadium in order to conform updated international standards according to UEFA stadiums regulation.