National Gymnastics Arena can host World Chess Olympiad opening
By Amina Nazarli
This autumn Azerbaijan’s capital Baku will turn into a real chess festival venue -- the “City of Winds” will host the 42nd World Chess Olympiad 2016 on September 1-14.
The FIDE event, a biennial chess tournament, gathering teams from all over the world to compete, this year will host about 2,000 chess masters from 175 countries in Baku. The number of guests is expected to reach up to 3,000.
Organizers promise the chess world a unique experience and memorable eventBy Amina Nazarli
This autumn Azerbaijan’s capital Baku will turn into a real chess festival venue -- the “City of Winds” will host the 42nd World Chess Olympiad 2016 on September 1-14.
The FIDE event, a biennial chess tournament gathering teams from all over the world to compete, this year will host about 2,000 chess masters from 175 countries in Baku. The number of guests is expected to reach up to 3,000.
Organizers promise the chess world a unique experience and
memorable event, that’s why they are looking for a perfect venue
for the solemn opening ceremony.
Mahir Mammadov, director of the Operating Committee,
representatives of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and Amapola
Exclusive Events LLC visited the National Gymnastics Arena, which
is one of the most beautiful constructions in Europe. They highly
assessed the venue.
Mammadov said that the Arena has all the conditions for hosting
the gala ceremony.
“The National Gymnastics Arena meets the highest standards and is
distinguished by its design. The venue can host the World Chess
Olympiad’s opening ceremony at the highest level. The Arena is
equipped with all necessary equipment. We will announce the final
decision in the coming days. It is highly probable that the opening
ceremony will be held in the National Gymnastics Arena,” he
said.
While the organizers are looking for a grand opening ceremony, Baku’s Crystal Hall, once hosting Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, will welcome the two-week tournament.
Designed to host all gymnastics disciplines, the iconic 9,000-seat National Gymnastics Arena, opened in 2014 is now able to host training sessions for gymnasts participating in international tournaments.
The arena's facilities include two main concourse levels, with welfare facilities and food and beverage outlets, while there is a VIP box on the upper level of the arena. There is also a two-story spacious restaurant with a view of the arena floor.
It also meets all requirements for the international media and sponsors expected of today's world-class sporting venues to host international competitions ranging from interview rooms, media control center, and sponsor rooms to press rooms.
The arena was the venue for the most exciting events, including the 30th European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in 2014, FIG World Challenge Cup in Artistic Gymnastics this February and FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Cup this March. The World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships will also be held here in 2019.
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @amina_nazarli
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