The Istanbul Olympic Dome, expected to host the FIBA 2010 World Basketball Championship is being built by the Turkish Basketball Association in collaboration with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

The Olympic Dome, which is being renovated to host an audience of 15,500 spectators, is expected to come into service in the first quarter of 2010. 

Renovation works include construction of 22 suites, each with different specifications, a VIP stand with a capacity of 2,000 seats, catering halls, lobbies and exhibition halls that will be serving simultaneously.

In addition, a press stand hosting 750 journalists and equipped with closed circuit TV broadcast systems, statistics systems and wireless broadband internet connection, will be made available for the journalists. Also, the complex will have an office that could serve 500 journalists and a meeting-conference hall hosting 300 journalists.

While the technical infrastructure of the facility is designed to provide a comfortable environment for supporters and journalists, it is also being rebuilt to maximize the viewers’ pleasure. The Olympic Dome, equipped to host high profile shows and exhibitions, will be furnished with four LED screens and instant lighting systems.

Renovation is being performed taking into consideration the optimum conditions that would allow athletes to work out in a comfortable environment. Furthermore, the facility will have six locker rooms complying with the recent standards, a modern fitness facility, an anti-doping control center and all other necessary facilities.

After being vacant for many years, the Olympic Dome is being strengthened in accordance with the applicable earthquake and disaster measures.

Favored by its location and proximity to public transport facilities, the Olympic Dome may be easily reached using public transport. Moreover, a parking lot with a capacity of 1,100 cars will be made available for supporters.

Thanks to the reorganization of the public gallery, the Olympic Dome in Istanbul will not only embrace the 2010 FIBA World Basketball Championship, but also other organizations, offering sports lovers memories never to be forgotten.