Close-up: Baku Olympic Stadium

Constructions on Baku Olympic Stadium and its training centre finished in February 2015. It is a multifunctional stadium with full football and athletic facilities onsite. Additionally, the stadium can host any other type of events (corporate events, concerts etc.).

ESSMA had an interview with Jamilia Mehdiyeva, Head of PR and Events at Baku Olympic Stadium.

Which facilities are available at the training centre? 

The total size of the Baku Olympic Stadium and the training centre is 64 ha. The training centre includes 2 natural surfaced training pitches (as well as athletics facilities) with locker rooms and showers, 3 mini-pitches, training base of Judo Federation of Azerbaijan, “Olympia” fight club, a gym with latest sports equipment, a hamam and sauna. Furthermore, accommodation in the Athletes village is located 3 minutes from Baku Olympic Stadium.

What is the main goal/purpose of the training centre?

Baku Olympic Stadium’s main goal is to create a multi-purpose complex where everybody feels welcome. By creating high-standard training facilities, we don’t only want to invite local clubs, but also attract international clubs.

Is there a specific team playing its home games at the stadium and using the training centre?

Currently the National Football Team plays its home games at the stadium. Furthermore, Qarabagh FC, an Azerbaijani Premier League club, plays its home matches in the UEFA Champions League at the stadium. The National Football Team as well as the Olympic athletics and para athletics teams use the facilities for training.

Are you hosting any specific events in the near future?

Regarding football, Qarabagh FC played against AS Roma (27 September), Atletico Madrid (18 October) and will face Chelsea FC (22 November) in the UEFA Champions League. We hosted the European Qualifiers matches of the National Football Team. Furthermore, in 2019 Baku Olympic Stadium will be the host of the Europa League finals and 4 matches of UEFA Euro 2020.

Next to football, a lot of corporate and social events are organized onsite.

Are there plans to improve or further expand the training facilities?

In the nearest future, we will expand our training facilities by adding a third natural surfaced training pitch.

Are the training facilities also available for non-professional usage?

Our stadium is indeed available for everyone, it’s not dependent on the professional level of our clients.

Is there a mixed usage both for men and women?

Yes, Baku Olympic Stadium is accessible for mixed usage and has infrastructure accordingly, including separate dressing rooms.