FCC has built Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan, through its Austrian subsidiary ALPINE. The Crystal Hall is the scene where the Eurovision Song Contest will be held next week, and participants have already begun rehearsing.

The stadium's construction contract was awarded in August last. The stadium itself is a multipurpose complex seating a maximum of 25,000 spectators and capable of hosting a variety of events. Construction began in September 2011 and was completed a record eight months later.

The Crystal Hall sits on the shore of Baku Harbour and outwardly resembles a crystalline structure. Two hundred and thirty metres long and 160 metres wide, the hall is covered by a transparent membrane that will protect spectators from the sun and inclement weather. More than 80,000 light fixtures built into the outer wall will make the space bright, giving it a theatrical aura by night.

Around 1,500 workers participated in the construction of this prestigious project, working in round-the-clock shifts over the last few weeks in order to keep construction going non-stop.

The hall was selected over another three candidates by Azerbaijan's public television, Ictimai TV, as the venue for Eurovision 2012. The complex will play host to the 16,000 spectators who will watch the contest live.

FCC and Big Events

FCC has a great deal of experience building athletic centres and multipurpose complexes, many of them in record time. Its most recent accomplishments include three of the stadiums for the UEFA Euro 2012 games in Poland, DSC Cricket Stadium in Dubai and the Magic Box.