Named after former President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, the Arena was designed by Y Kadymov in 1978 and built by specialists under the guidance of engineer G I Bely.

Unfortunately, funding issues led to its construction being prolonged, so it was only completed in 1989.

The dome of the building - which is 122 metres in diameter - is supported by steel crossed guy ropes with no vertical supports and stiff trusses.

Since its opening in 1990, it has held around 40 international competitions in different kinds of sports.

Following renovation work in 2006, the Heydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition Complex became Azerbaijan's home of gymnastics, hosting a number of major international rhythmic gymnastics tournaments ©Getty Images


In 2006, the facility underwent renovation with a Serbian company, SERBAZ, replacing the glazing, repairing level one and two lobbies and installing the air conditioning system.

After renovation the Complex was used as the nation's Gymnastics Centre.

Between 2007 and 2009, all national training as well as two European Championships, a World Cup and a World Gymnastics Championships were held there.

It also hosted some wrestling and boxing tournaments, and all international exhibitions were run there until the opening of the new Expedition Centre.

The Arena is currently under reconstruction again with renovation activities for the inaugural European Games starting in Autumn 2013.

The Heydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition Complex is currently under renovation in a bid to refurbish and modernise it in time for the inaugural European Games in 2015 ©Baku 2015



The facilities are to be radically changed, with a drawing hall, an athlete's canteen, a media Centre, commentary studio, broadcasting centre and server rooms for processing results of events all to be installed.

The finishing of the 7,500-seat auditorium is being done afresh, and provided with comfortable and new seating.

The lighting of the Arena is to be completely replaced - it remained intact since 1989 - huge screens are to be installed and a new acoustic system is being developed, all the result of cooperation between leading European manufacturers of equipment, who were the official suppliers of the London and Sochi Olympic Games.

The Arena is located in the City Cluster on Tbilisi Avenue and is a 20-minute journey from the Athletes' Village.

Renovation work on the facility is expected to be completed by January 2015.