Baku Crystal Hall to host World Chess Olympiad
By Lamam Ismayilova
The first World Chess Olympiad in Azerbaijan will be arranged at the Baku Crystal Hall, a multipurpose sports and concert arena.
The diamond-faceted sports and concert venue was constructed on the territory of Baku’s National Flag Cluster specifically to host Eurovision Song Contest 2012. The construction works were carried out under supervision of State Committee in accordance with decree of President Ilham Aliyev.
On the day of the Olympic Games, the Congress of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) will also be held in Baku.
The chess tournament will host about 2,000 chess masters from 175 countries. The number of guests is expected to reach up to 3,000.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has witnessed strong economic growth and development of the infrastructure. The country's capital is changing in the eyes. The increasing numbers of modern buildings has made the city the favorite tourism destination.
Baku Crystal Hall is an outstanding example of an innovative approach to the construction of new modern buildings.
Marvelous building which opens up a magnificent view of the city is designed by the German company GMP and Swiss company Nussli International AG. The construction of three main components of the stadium (the arena, facade and roof) was launched in parallel at the same time.
The facade of building is equipped by the numerous modern dynamic LED lights which allow creating impressive lighting effects.
The total area of the Complex is 30,958 sq. m. The corridor around arena is divided into two symmetrical parts with 15 entrances on each side including 30 outside entrances.
With a length of 230 and a width of 160 metres, the arena gives room to up to 27,000 spectators.
The walls of the building, covered with glowing crystals create an amazing visual effect with the play of light on it.
Baku Crystal Hall's first major event was the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, held at the arena from 22 May to 26 May 2012.
One of the modern architectural pearls became the venue for the 6th e-Sports World Championship. Boxing, karate, teakwood, fencing and volleyball events during the inaugural 2015 European Games kicked off there.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova
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