- Title: AZERBAIJAN: Country completes construction of 2012 Eurovision Song contest venue
- Date: 17th April 2012
- Summary: VARIOUS OF EUROVISION SONG CONTEST HOSTS ON SCREEN
- Embargoed: 2nd May 2012 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan
- Country: Azerbaijan
- Topics: Arts
- Reuters ID: LVA5JVF8RUBFAI8DOKXGGO3BAFUS
- Story Text: The construction of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest venue in the Azerbaijani capital Baku has been completed on time, the organisers said on Monday (April 16).
The Baku Crystal Hall, the construction of which was commissioned by the Baku Mayor's Office, is a multipurpose, indoor arena with a 23,000-spectator capacity.
German Alpine Bau Deutschland AG was selected as construction contractor in August last year after it agreed to complete works within eight months. The cost of the construction has not been revealed.
"The Crystal Hall has been already handed over officially to our production team, to our core team and we are happy that keeping the deadline the construction company could handed it over. And now we can start, from today we can start already all installation works for the show. And lightening, stage, so it will just keep the rhythm of the preparation in really, really high speed. So, hopefully we are in line with our schedule," Azerbaijan's Eurovision Executive Producer, Adil Kerimli told media.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Reference Group and contest's Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand have been closely watching the progress of construction and preparations for the event which will go into the Eurovision history books under the slogan "Light your fire!"
"I worked with the core team here with Ictimai TV since June. We have had several meetings both in Baku and in Geneva, when we go through different steps of the production, of the logistics, of the event and we prepare together with them. They are doing a fantastic job here and I am sure that we will be finished in time. It's a lot do still but I am confident that we will do it," Jon Ola Sand said.
The organisers presented the three hosts of the 2012 Baku contest and one of them Eldar, mostly known as Ell, the singer from Ell/Nikki duo, which won Azerbaijan the right to host the contest when viewers and juries across Europe chose their 2011 entry Running Scared to win.
Though Azerbaijan's opposition and human rights groups criticise President Ilham Aliyev and his government for trampling on people's rights by razing homes for the building of gleaming glass and concrete skyscrapers, many Baku residents welcome the contest.
"It is not just a festival; it is a grand occasion for the republic. At last everyone heard (of us), if I can put it this way and at last they will be able to find Azerbaijan on the map. It's great," Natavam Memmedova told Reuters in central Baku.
"I think it is very good, as Azerbaijan, Baku is getting bigger and is moving forward. I think it is good," Alina Bricheva said.
The 2012 Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 22, 24 and 26 in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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