Information
- Event Guide
- Useful Tips
Tickets
and Re-entry Policy
and Re-entry Policy
Recommendations and Prohibited Items
Getting Around
the Circuit
the Circuit
Race
Entertainment Area
Track activities
Concerts and
Crystal Hall
Crystal Hall
Essentials
Medical and Safety
Time Zone
Opening hours
Language
Telephones
Smoking
Electricity
Banks and credit cards
Currency
Taxes (VAT)
Gratuities and tipping
Car Rental
Taxi services
Time Zone
Azerbaijan is UTC+4 hours.
Opening hours
Office hours are officially 09:00 to 18:00 Mondays through Fridays. Banks operate from 09:00 to 18:00, while service hours are from 09:30 to 17:00. Shops generally open around 09:30 or 10:00 and close around 20:00. Shops are open seven days a week. Bars and restaurants are open until at least 23:00.
Language
The official language is Azerbaijani but many people also speak Russian, Turkish and/or English.
Telephones
The country code for Azerbaijan is 994 and the city code for Baku is 012. The international exit code for calling out of Azerbaijan is 00 and must be dialled before the relevant country code and telephone number. Azerbaijani mobile phone numbers have 10 digits and most mobile numbers start with 050 or 051. All 10 digits must be dialled for calls within Azerbaijan. For example: 050-123-XXXX. When calling from outside Azerbaijan, the country code then number minus the zero should be dialled. For example: +994-50-123-XXXX.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public areas across Azerbaijan, including most restaurants and bars. Smoking will not be permitted in any Baku City Circuit venue, except for designated smoking areas.
Electricity
Standard electrical power in Azerbaijan is 220v. Electrical equipment and appliances use the standard European 220-240v two-pin plug.
Banks and credit cards
There are a multitude of ATM machines located around Baku, most of which accept international debit and credit cards. Larger bank branches are open Mondays to Saturdays (shorter day), but are closed on Sundays. Smaller branches are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. International credit and debit cards are accepted in most restaurants and larger shops.
Currency
The national currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). One hundred Gepik (coins) equals one Manat, and Manat notes come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations. It is not possible to exchange currency into Manat in countries other than Azerbaijan, so visitors will need to use the foreign exchange desk at the arrivals hall at the airport or withdraw from ATMs around the city.
Taxes (VAT)
VAT in Azerbaijan is similar to that in most European VAT systems, with tax levied on the supply of most goods and services and on the import of goods. VAT payers are entitled to recover the amount of VAT paid on purchases (input VAT) that exceeds the VAT received from their taxable supplies (output VAT).
Gratuities and tipping
Tipping is not expected across Azerbaijan but is commonplace in Baku. Occasionally a service charge is included on the bill, particularly in more established hotels and restaurants. Like any other place in the world, tipping for above-average service will be appreciated.
Car Rental
In case you have decided to rent a car during your stay in Azerbaijan there are a wide choice of car rental outlets that you may contact. Two of the best-known car rental companies in Baku are Cars4RentBaku.com and Azrent.az.
Taxi services
Should you need a taxi to get you to your required destination, feel free to call +994125653189 for regular taxi service or +994124041238 to get a ride on a traditional London ‘black cab’.
Tickets and Re-entry Policy
Ticketing
There are two ways of securing your ticket for the Formula 1 SOCAR Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2019: 1) from Ticket Sales Points at local Box Offices in Baku and 2) online via the bakucitycircuit.com website.
- You have to present a valid ticket on each day of the Race at the entrance. Each ticket is valid for 1 day only. Please ensure you have the right ticket for each day.
- ONLY a 4-day ticket (Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday) gives you access to the Entertainment Area and After-Race concerts on all days as well as the Public Pit Lane Walk on the Thursday.
- A one or two-day ticket gives you access to the Entertainment Area and the concerts taking place on the relevant days but DOES NOT include access to the Public Pit Lane Walk on Thursday.
- Children under the age of 2 will be admitted without a ticket, provided that they remain in the arms of their parents or guardians and do not occupy a separate seat.
- All spectators under 18 (eighteen) years of age must be accompanied by an adult (18+) spectator with a valid ticket and government issued ID or Passport.
- All discounted tickets in the Local Adult, International Junior and Local Junior (for spectators aged 2 to 16 years) price categories require the holder to provide an official government issued ID or Passport at the entrance to prove their eligibility.
- For more detailed info about all tickets (categories & prices) please visit the Grandstands Section on our website.
Important:
-
All Vouchers/Purchase Confirmations have to be exchanged for hard copy tickets. The location of the voucher/ticket exchange points and their opening hours can be found from the table below.
- Please make sure you have your and your child/children’s Passport / ID with you. You might be asked to provide these upon request at the Entrance Gates.
- Please be aware that you will undergo “airport style” security screening at the entrance. Please allow adequate time for your journey.
- Please wear your ticket at all times while you are in the Entertainment Area.
- It’s never too late to get a ticket if you wish for a friend or family member to come and enjoy the race with you. We will have Ticket Box Offices located in front of each entrance gate.
- Additionally, tickets are on sale at different locations in the city where you can also exchange your voucher for the hard copy ticket.
Re-entry policy
Re-entry to the Entertainment Area
- When entering the Entertainment Area with a valid ticket our staff representative will fix a wristband on your wrist.
- The wristband must be worn at all times and becomes immediately void upon removal. Please do not take it off.
- You will need the wristband along with your valid ticket in order to re-enter the Entertainment Area on the same day should you leave it at any stage
Re-entry is not allowed at the Crystal Hall.
Recommendations and Prohibited Items
What to bring
Pack light, bring the essentials only – your phone, a spare battery for your camera, and of course, your ticket for each specific day and valid ID for yourself and your children.
- If you are worried about rain, bring an umbrella but please note that on grandstands, umbrellas can only be used if it starts raining heavily.
- Alternatively, rain coats and umbrellas are available for sale at official Baku City Circuit merchandise stores located in the Entertainment Area.
- A wide variety of food and beverages will also be on sale throughout the Entertainment Area.
Prohibited items
Anyone entering the Entertainment Area will be subject to an inspection/search. Refusal may result in NO admission without a refund.
Items which may be used to damage or deface property - or any part of the circuit and surrounding areas - as well as hinder, obstruct or interrupt the race adversely, affect public safety as well as any goods or tickets for the purpose of commercial distribution and any dangerous goods are all prohibited by law.
Please note that you are not allowed to bring certain items into the Entertainment Area. This list of prohibited items includes but is not limited to:
- alcohol
- beverage containers (except for one clear plastic bottle of water: no more than 100 ml in size)
- food (excluding baby food)
- animals (except for service animals)
- weapons of any kind
- fireworks & laser lights
- musical instruments & sound devices
- video capable devices (for professional use)
- photo cameras with lenses exceeding 30 cm
- any seating devices (chairs, stools)
- any large articles (which cannot be placed under a seat)
- drones
- bicycles
- scooters (except for kids’ scooters)
- flags with handles exceeding 1m or with offensive texts/symbols/images
- picnic hampers
- toxic and flammable substances
- drugs without prescription and any device that has the potential to cause injury, damage to the Entertainment Area or be a public nuisance.
Photography
All equipment brought into the Entertainment Area should not be for commercial purposes but purely for personal use.
- Cameras with lenses exceeding 30 cm in length are prohibited to bring into the Entertainment Area.
- The enjoyment of other spectators should not be impeded by anyone and we therefore urge spectators with photographic equipment to show consideration to others at all times.
- There are plenty of locations where you can find that perfect shot – go out and explore the Entertainment Area and Baku City Circuit!
Arriving at the Entertainment Area
Spectators’ Gates will open at 12:00 on Thursday and 10:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and close at 21:30 on Thursday and 22:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please always ensure that you come with the correct ticket for the corresponding day.
- Upon arrival please have your ticket ready for inspection. If you are carrying a bag, please note that all bags will be searched for security purposes. Please carry your ticket on you at all times
- Tip: We suggest that you travel light in order to clear the gates without delay – we recommend leaving your bag at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to bring it
- All spectators, including children, must have a valid ticket and ID. If you have a discounted ticket - for local citizens and/or children aged 2-16 - we will need to verify your eligibility by checking your ID.
- Ticket Box Offices are located outside each Gate. Do not buy tickets from touts as these tickets may have already been voided or be counterfeits.
- Please note that your tickets provide access to all Venue zones and will state the recommended Gate for you to use to enter the Entertainment Area in order to prevent long queues at the various entrances.
- Please click here to study the map with info on all Gates to the Entertainment Area.
Children
Children are welcome in the Entertainment Area, however please do pay special attention to their needs. Please prepare them for big crowds, (relatively) long distances to walk, loud sounds as well as the hustle and bustle of a large-scale event.
- Earplugs as well as adult-sized raincoats are available for sale at official Baku City Circuit merchandise stores located throughout the Entertainment Area.
- Baby buggies as well as scooters for children can be brought into the Entertainment Area but cannot be used on the grandstands. Please approach the nearest Info Point where you can store your baby strollers and scooters.
- If your child is lost, please report this to the nearest Info Point, Security representative or any BCC staff in the Entertainment Area.
- The F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone, Blue Zone and Red Zone each have two Info Points close to the Visitor Gates, except for the Green Zone which only have one Info Point.
Smoking and littering
It is prohibited to smoke on grandstands including in corporate boxes, general-admission podiums and indoor areas (cafes, bars etc.). Please bin your trash. Let's keep the Entertainment Area clean.
Getting Around the Circuit
How to get to the circuit
Getting around Baku City Circuit is relatively straightforward. However, spectators are advised to be aware of some important factors while moving around the circuit.
Parking
Please note that there are no dedicated parking areas at the track. However, spectators may use the parking areas available around the track such as the White Boulevard area, 28 Mall Parking Zone, “Garage” parking near the Molokan Garden and the Nizami Garden as well as in the Winter Boulevard parking zone.
City Buses
Buses will operate from 06:00 to 00:00 on the 25th and 26th April, 2019 and they will have a 20-hour service (from 06:00 AM till 02:00 AM) on the 27th & 28th April, 2019.
-
Bus 65 (frequency 5 minutes): The nearest stop is located at Azerbaijan Avenue (near the Central Department Store - MUM).
Route: Fuzuli Square - M. Mukhtarov Street - Nizami Street – S. Rustamov Street – A. Javad Street – Azerbaijan Avenue – Fuzuli Square – Z. Ahmadbayov Street – Tbilisi Avenue – 20 January Street – A. Maharramov Street – Mir Jalal Street. -
Bus 5 (frequency 3 minutes): The nearest stop is located at Rashid Behbudov Street – Nizami Street.
Route: N. Narimanov Metro Station – 28 May Metro Station – Azadlig Avenue – Nizami Street – R. Behbudov Street – N. Narimanov Metro Station. -
Bus 53 (frequency 6 minutes): The nearest bus stop is in front of the Baku Sports Hall.
Route: Bayil (the 20th area) – National Flag Square – Funicular.
Metro
During the race days (26th, 27th, 28th April 2019) Icheri Sheher, 28 May and Sahil metro stations will all be operational from 06:00 AM to 02:00 AM.
Race
Watching the race
Grandstand ticketholders: You will have a great view of the track from your seat, as well as of the super screens set up right by the grandstands. For the benefit of all spectators, please do not use tripods, monopods or tablet devices on the grandstand. Umbrellas must also remain closed unless it starts raining heavily.
Roaming/General Admission ticketholders: Some of the best racing action can be viewed from the special podiums (elevated trackside platforms) in the F1/Purple, Blue and Red Zones, that will be strategically located around the track.
Tip: Carefully study the Entertainment Area map - which you can get at all Info Points - and discover the best spots to watch the racing from each day!
Grandstands
There are 9 grandstands located along the entire Entertainment Area.
- The Main Grandstand is Absheron, situated in the F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone and provides fans with an excellent position to watch the adrenaline-fuelled start/finish of the race. A magnificent National Anthem and Opening Ceremony will also take place right in front of this grandstand.
- The Blue Zone has 3 grandstands: Bakcell (Bulvar), Sahil and Khazar.
- The Red Zone has 4 grandstands: Mugham, Giz Galasi, Azneft and Filarmoniya.
- The Green Zone has 1 grandstand: Icheri Sheher.
- Should you have a problem with your grandstand seat or if somebody has occupied your place or the screen on the grandstand doesn’t work then please approach the nearest member of the grandstand staff for help.
- For exact locations of the grandstands, please click here.
Entertainment Area
Movement in the Entertainment Area
The Entertainment Area is divided into 4 zones: F1 Fan Zone/Purple, Blue, Red and Green Zones. The Crystal Hall Arena (Yellow Zone) for the nightly concerts is a separate zone adjacent to Flag Square which is located further along the coastal boulevard. The F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone (the biggest one) as well as the Blue and Red Zones are also located on the seaside boulevard while the Green Zone (the smallest one) covers the Icheri Sheher grandstand by the Old Town as well as a small Entertainment Area nearby. For the exact locations of each zone please click here.
- The Entertainment Area covers an area of approximately 64 football fields. The distance along the Coastal Boulevard, which covers the F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone, Blue Zone and Red Zone is about 2 km (as measured from the Absheron Grandstand to the Yacht Club).
- The distance from the Red Zone to Baku Crystal Hall is approximately 3 km. A walk from the F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone (Absheron Grandstand) to Baku Crystal Hall (Main Concert Arena) is equal to 5 km. As an alternative to walking, regular shuttle buses will be made available for all ticket holding fans to reach the Baku Crystal Hall from the circuit.
- Please note that there are no physical separations between the zones, i.e. you can walk from one zone to another and enjoy the entertainment activities in each one. For faster and more efficient movement within the larger F1 Fan Zone/Purple & Blue and Red Zones you will be able to use special small trains that will be operating there.
- Info Points will be located throughout the Entertainment Areas to help you navigate each zone more easily. Spectator (including map) and city guides (available in Azerbaijani and English) will also be distributed at all gates and Info Points.
- Look out for signage and large format maps throughout the Entertainment Area to help you navigate your surroundings more easily.
- Tip: Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and GO EXPLORE!
Track activities
Activities on race track
Pit Lane Walk: Every person who has purchased a 4-day ticket is invited to attend the 4-Day Ticket Holder Pit Lane Walk on 25th April. The 4-Day Ticket Pit Lane Walk leads guests from the Start-Finish line by the main grandstand through to the pit lane and back into the F1 Village. This is a unique chance to visit the inner sanctum of F1 and witness the teams working on their cars as they make their final preparations in the garages ahead of the Grand Prix weekend.
Drivers’ Parade: The Drivers’ Parade is a lap around the Baku City Circuit taken by all the F1 drivers - usually on a single vehicle - where they can greet all the F1 Fans that have come to cheer them on before the race starts. The Driver’s Parade will take place on 28th April, approximately an hour before the race starts and is certainly an experience not to be missed.
National Anthem: The National Anthem Ceremony is always a proud moment for everyone associated with the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix as it pays tribute to Azerbaijan, as well as all the countries involved in this grand event. Political and F1 dignitaries, as well as all the drivers, will line up before the start of the race on April 28th as the Azerbaijani national anthem is played in full as a mark of respect to the country hosting this major event.
Podium Ceremony (Track Invasion): The Podium Ceremony takes place after the race is finished on Sunday when the top three drivers celebrate their success in front of their adoring fans. Ahead of the ceremony, the track gates in F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone will open for spectators to come closer to the podium and ‘invade’ the track to cheer on the winning driver(s)! Entrance to the track is available from F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone.
Track Tours: Fan will be given an opportunity to walk throughout the track after the completion of the main events on Friday and Saturday (April 26th-27th) only. In addition, a special shuttle bus services will be activated for ticketholders wishing to get a tour of the whole track. The schedule of operations for these shuttles can be found below:
- Thursday and Friday: 20:00 – 01:30 (next day)
- Saturday: 19:30 – 01:30 (next day)
- Vehicle: IVECO Crealis, Capacity: 75 – 100 PAX
- You can find the bus stop locations here.
Concerts and Crystal Hall
Main concerts
We are offering fans one of the most exciting live music line ups by any F1 Grand Prix promoter in recent memory.
Million-selling global artists Sam Smith and Cardi B will be performing on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April respectively in Baku’s stunning Crystal Hall – adjacent to Flag Square - after the on-track action has ended.
- The approximate start time for the warm up acts to come on stage is scheduled for 20:30, with the main artists coming on at 21:30 and finishing around 23:30.
- All ticket holders are guaranteed access to the concerts. Please ensure you keep your tickets and wristbands on you at all times.
- The concert arena has seated and standing areas (fan zones). If you have a ticket to Paddock, Corporate Boxes or Absheron Grandstand to watch the race then you will have dedicated seats in the concert arena.
Arriving at Baku Crystal Hall
The walking distance from the furthest edge of the F1 Entertainment Area located along the Boulevard to the Crystal Hall is approximately 5km. You can take a shuttle bus, ferry or walk to the Concert Arena.
For ticketholders who would prefer not to walk, regular shuttle buses will be made available on Saturday and Sunday after the on-track action has finished to bring them to the Crystal Hall. The schedule of operations for these shuttles can be found below:
-
Transfers from race track to Crystal Hall:
Departure point: In front of the Giz Galasi Grandstand
April 27: 19:30 – 21:30
April 28: 18:50 – 21:30
Vehicle: IVECO Crealis, Capacity: 75 – 100 PAX -
Transfers from Crystal Hall to race track:
Departure point: A side of the concert arena
23:00 – 01:30
Vehicle: IVECO Crealis, Capacity: 75 – 100 PAX - The pick-up location inside the circuit is located in front of the Giz Galasi Grandstand (see the map).
In addition to the shuttle bus service, there will also be a free of charge ferry service from the Boulevard Entertainment Area laid on for all ticketholders to the Crystal Hall on Saturday and Sunday as per the below schedule:
- The departure point to the Concert Arena is located close to the Park Bulvar Shopping Center and the boarding times are 15 minutes between 18:55 and 20:00.
- Please note, the ferry transfer service may be unavailable during extreme weather conditions.
- Vessel: "Mirvari", Capacity: 450 passengers
- IMPORTANT: Smoking and e-cigarettes are not allowed on the vessel. All smoking materials must be extinguished before boarding the vessel. No smoking is allowed within 25 meters of entry to the ferry wharf.
Essentials
Food and Beverage
There are food & beverage courts throughout the Fan Zone where you can enjoy both delicious regional foods and popular international fast foods. Here are the operating hours:
- 25th of April 12:00-22:00 (F1 Fan Zone only)
- 26-28th April 10:00-22:00 (All Zones)
- Crystal Hall: 27–28th of April 18:30-00:00
In addition, you can also find restaurants on site offering a rich selection of national cuisine, as well as bars serving alcohol located across the Fan Zone.
Please see the map for the exact locations of F&B kiosks, restaurants and bars.
Money and currency
The national Currency is the Azerbaijani Manat. 1 USD is approximately equal to 1.70 AZN depending on the currency exchange rate.
- The nearest ATM/cash machines are located in the Park Bulvar Shopping Centre (ground floor, and - 1 parking level).
- The nearest Currency Exchange point is also in Park Bulvar (ground floor), ASB Bank and Gunay Bank in Nizami Street (the latter close to the Green Zone).
- Payment is possible by cash (money) or by credit/debit card through POS machine in all F&B kiosks, Alcohol Bars, Merchandise Stores, and Restaurants.
Medical and Safety
Disability/wheelchair access and facilities
Spectators in wheelchairs who purchase a wheelchair accessible seat, will get an additional ticket for their companion. Please, note that the companion can’t enter the Venue alone, but only together with spectator in a wheelchair.
- You can access the Venue from the F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone and Red Zone using the Vehicle Screening Areas. Unfortunately, there is no security equipment at the pedestrian gates to check wheelchairs chairs thoroughly. Therefore, you will be invited to access the Venue through the gates behind the Sea Port (F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone) or/and in front of the Yacht Club (Red Zone).
- Should you require assistance getting around please visit your closest Info Point to find out about our Mobility Impaired Transport Service.
- To arrange transportation for spectators in wheelchairs, golf carts will be available in each zone. Please note that golf carts are not to be used for the general transportation of spectators but only for those with disabilities.
- Spectators using wheelchairs as well as those with mobility issues will be able to enjoy the race from the Absheron Grandstand Section E (F1 Fan Zone/Purple Zone) and Azneft Grandstand (Red Zone) in comfort and with a great view.
- Specially trained staff will be on-hand to assist any visitors with disabilities at the Grandstands.
- There are several Wheelchair Accessible restrooms located within the Entertainment Area in the F1 Fan Zone/Purple, Blue and Red Zones.
- For spectators with mobility issues that do not require a wheelchair, please consider the distances involved when getting to the Entertainment Area.
- There are wheelchairs available for loan near all Info Points. You should leave either a deposit or your ID for a wheelchair loan.
Medical and First Aid
Medical Clinics and ambulances are located throughout the Fan Zones.
- If you are unwell please proceed to the nearest Medical Clinic/Ambulance or ask a member of the BCC on-the-ground staff to call a doctor for you.
- Their locations are indicated on the map.
Safety
Watch or read up on local news and weather reports before visiting the circuit and make sure you know where you are going at all times – always plan ahead and be prepared. Make sure to visit bakucitycircuit.com or follow our official social media accounts for important information or any updates regarding the race weekend before you set off.
- Be mindful at all times of where you carrying your valuables (wallet, money, credit/debit cards, purse, and cell phone).
- If you are going with a group, we advise that you set a meeting point in case you become separated at any stage during the weekend. Arrange specific times to check in on each other to avoid any major issues.
- The days are long at an F1 race weekend, with so much to see and do. Make sure you memorize or write down important numbers, so when your phone dies, you can still get in contact with your group if separated. Please note, Info Points staff can also help you to recharge your phone.
- Avoid crowds where overly intoxicated people gather. If someone’s had too much drink or is being aggressive, don’t be afraid to notify a Security or Police Officer.
Emergencies
- Stay calm and do not panic in case of an emergency signal or announcement.
- Listen to information about the situation and operational procedures on a continuing basis.
- Study the location of entrance and exit gates closely on the map beforehand.
- In the case of an evacuation, always use the route established by the rescue services or shown by the security team. Do not try to take a short cut – you could put yourself and your family in danger in doing so.
- Get familiarized with the Emergency Assembly Points within the Fan Zone which will be used during emergency situations. Please note that emergency accesses are usually different from entry Gates. Follow the instructions given by staff and security in uniforms.
Lost and found
- Please report any lost and found items to the nearest Information Point. We will contact you to collect the lost items as soon as they are found.
- If your child is lost, please report this to the nearest Info Point, security representative or any staff in the Fan Zone.
- In case you found a discarded or lost item within the Entertainment Area, please also approach the nearest Info Point.