Antiphellos Ancient Theatre keeps the national team fever alive
In the seaside district of Kaş in Antalya, the 2,000‑year‑old Antiphellos Ancient Theatre is turning into an open‑air football arena. The historic venue, which recently hosted a public screening of Turkey’s World Cup clash with Australia, will continue to welcome fans for the upcoming matches against Paraguay and the United States.
A 2,000‑year‑old stadium atmosphere
Mustafa Erman Günay, head of the Kaş Tourism Promotion Association, explained that the atmosphere during the Australia game far exceeded expectations. The natural stone steps of the theatre were packed, and the combination of sea breeze, ancient architecture and football passion created a truly unique setting.
According to Günay, the event drew strong interest not only from locals but also from visitors who happened to be vacationing in the region. The images and videos from the night quickly circulated on social platforms, turning the ancient theatre into an unexpected football symbol and significantly increasing curiosity about Kaş and Antiphellos.
Thousands gather among the ruins
Günay reported that roughly 5,000 people watched the Australia match live inside the ancient theatre. The number of visitors who came to Kaş specifically to follow the game exceeded 10,000, creating an unusual but welcome surge in the town’s population for a single evening.
The rows of the theatre, which once hosted performances for the people of ancient Lycia, became terraces filled with fans wrapped in national flags, jerseys and scarves. Applause, chants and collective reactions to every move on the pitch echoed over the Mediterranean, blending with the historic stones and the natural acoustics of the theatre.
Strong public demand leads to continuation
Following the event, interest did not fade; instead, it intensified. Günay noted that there was a flood of requests from citizens asking whether the screenings would continue. People contacted local authorities and the organizers, urging them to repeat the experience for the next national team games.
In response to this demand, the organizing team decided to maintain and even expand the project. The screenings will continue with the crucial World Cup fixtures against Paraguay and the United States, again hosted at Antiphellos Ancient Theatre.
Hotels and guesthouses already feeling the impact
The anticipation around the Paraguay and USA matches is already visible in the tourism sector. Günay stated that hotels and other accommodation facilities in Kaş are receiving a high volume of reservations and inquiries ahead of these games. Many football fans are planning short getaways or weekend trips specifically timed to coincide with the match screenings at the ancient theatre.
Local businesses, from restaurants to cafes and souvenir shops, are also preparing for the influx. For Kaş, combining cultural heritage with the excitement of the World Cup provides an additional attraction in the middle of the season and helps extend visitor stays.
Plans for later stages of the World Cup
The organizers emphasize that the interest is not limited to the group stage. Günay underlined that there is already “serious demand” for the Paraguay and USA games, and that enthusiasm will likely rise further if the national team advances from the group.
Should Turkey qualify for the knockout rounds, the plan is to continue broadcasting all subsequent matches at Antiphellos Ancient Theatre. In that case, the ancient venue will effectively become a permanent fan zone for the rest of the tournament, offering a rare blend of sports, history and tourism.
Why Antiphellos is the perfect setting
Antiphellos is one of the best‑preserved ancient theatres on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Carved into the hillside with a panoramic view of the sea, it naturally resembles a stadium with excellent acoustics. During the screenings, the sloping stone seats allow thousands of fans to follow the game with a clear view of the screen while also enjoying the sunset over the bay.
For many spectators, the experience goes beyond football. Watching a modern World Cup match in a structure built roughly two millennia ago creates a powerful contrast between past and present. Families, young fans and older locals share the same space, turning the screenings into a communal event that blends culture, history and sport.
A boost for cultural tourism
The success of the match screenings is also changing how some visitors see Kaş. Tourists who originally came only for the sea and beaches are discovering the historical heritage of the town almost by accident. Before or after the games, many take the opportunity to explore other archaeological sites in the region, wander through the narrow streets of Kaş, or enjoy local cuisine.
This model of using a cultural landmark as a focal point for contemporary events is seen as a promising way to promote sustainable tourism. Instead of building new structures, the town activates existing heritage sites with carefully planned, non‑invasive activities. The positive feedback from both locals and visitors is encouraging organizers to consider similar cultural‑sports integrations in the future.
Community spirit and safety measures
The screenings have also strengthened the sense of community in Kaş. Residents bring their families, meet neighbors and welcome out‑of‑town guests, turning the matches into festive gatherings. The shared excitement-tension during missed chances, collective cheers after goals-creates a powerful emotional bond among everyone present.
At the same time, organizers are paying close attention to safety and preservation. Crowd capacity is managed so as not to damage the ancient structure, and local authorities coordinate security, health services and traffic arrangements on match nights. The aim is to protect the archaeological site while still allowing thousands of people to enjoy it.
Potential model for other historic venues
The Kaş experience may serve as an example for other regions rich in historical monuments. Broadcasting sporting events, concerts or cultural performances in ancient theatres, castles or old city squares-when done responsibly-can breathe new life into these locations and attract younger audiences who might not otherwise visit them.
However, organizers stress that such events must always prioritize conservation. Temporary installations, such as screens and sound systems, are set up in ways that do not harm the stonework or foundations. Regular monitoring ensures that the increased foot traffic does not cause erosion or structural stress.
Looking ahead: Antiphellos as a long‑term fan zone
If the current momentum continues, Antiphellos Ancient Theatre may become a traditional gathering place for major national matches, not only during the World Cup but also for European Championships and other significant tournaments. For Kaş, this means not just short‑term tourism gains but the possibility of establishing a long‑term football‑culture brand associated with the town.
For fans, it offers something they cannot find in a regular stadium or sports bar: the chance to support their national team under the open sky, surrounded by ancient stone tiers and the sound of the sea, sharing an unforgettable evening with thousands of others.
For now, all eyes are on the upcoming Paraguay and USA games. If Turkey continues its journey in the tournament, the roar from Antiphellos is set to echo even louder across the bay-and across the country.