BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 8. A media tour was
held today to showcase the newly built Hovsan Competition Complex
in Baku, constructed for the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival,
Trend’s correspondent reports from the venue.
The Hovsan Competition Complex, one of the main venues for the
FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, was presented to media
representatives during the tour.
Journalists toured the complex and received information about
its infrastructure and preparations for the tournament.
Modern sports complex comprises two zones
The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) is
the client organization for the facility, which will host matches
of the U-15 boys’ championship, while Neftgaztikinti Trust is the
general contractor.
The design work was carried out by the Oil and Gas Scientific
Research Design Institute. SOCAR’s Transport Department and various
subcontractors selected through tenders also participated in the
construction of the complex.
The complex consists of two main zones. The first is a permanent
zone covering 12 hectares and measuring 480 by 250 meters. It
includes 10 stadiums, an administrative building and surrounding
infrastructure.
The second is an auxiliary zone covering 6.6 hectares and
measuring 440 by 150 meters. It includes 23 tents of various sizes
for service personnel, media representatives and organizational
operations, as well as 41 utility units containing sanitary
facilities, washrooms, changing rooms and IT rooms.
Infrastructure meets FIFA standards
The complex was built in accordance with high standards and
technical requirements. Construction and turf installation have
been completed at all 10 stadiums, while final works, including the
installation of substitute benches, dividing nets, safety barriers
and windbreaks, are underway. The turf meets FIFA-approved
standards.
To accommodate spectators during the championship, stands are
being installed at each stadium. The two main stadiums will have
seating for more than 100 spectators each, while the other stadiums
will accommodate nearly 50 spectators each.
A total of 360 floodlights have been installed on 40 masts to
enable night matches. The complex also has 210 lighting poles, 134
video surveillance cameras and a modern sound control system.
Special perimeter drainage systems, 114 underground wells and
3,200 meters of piping have been installed to ensure rapid
rainwater drainage. A total of 186,300 square meters of asphalt has
been laid across the complex.
The perimeter fencing is 2,280 meters long, while the
6-meter-high internal fences around the stadiums have a combined
length of 3,780 meters.
Logistics, landscaping and guest facilities
Athletes’ changing and accommodation needs will be provided for
at the Athletes’ Village, while teams will travel to the
competition venue by dedicated buses.
Parking areas in the auxiliary zone have been prepared for 337
passenger cars and 60 large-capacity buses.
Three-row green belts have also been planted around the complex,
adding landscaping to the site and helping improve conditions for
visitors and participants.
Plans after the tournament
The Hovsan Competition Complex will remain under AFFA’s
management after the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, according to
information provided during the media tour.
The complex is intended to support the development of youth
football in Azerbaijan and become the main training base for the
country’s youth national teams.
The facility’s continued use after the tournament will allow the
newly developed infrastructure to serve youth football beyond the
event itself, providing a dedicated venue for training and
competition.
