Baku: The latest feature in AZERTAC's 'If I Were a Tourist' column highlights the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium, a central figure in Azerbaijani sports culture. Located at 98A Fatali Khan Khoyski Street in Baku, this stadium is one of the largest and most historically significant sports venues in Azerbaijan. Since its opening in 1951, it has played a crucial role in the development of sport, particularly football, in the nation.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the stadium, originally bearing different names, was renamed in 1993 to honor the esteemed Azerbaijani referee Tofig Bahramov after his passing. It holds the unique distinction of being the only football stadium in the world named after a referee. For many years, it has been seen as the heart of Azerbaijani football, with its field witnessing numerous historical victories and becoming a cultural landmark.

The stadium complex spans 10.5 hectares and caters to both professional athletes and the general public. It features a 200-seat multipurpose hall, a fitness center, a conference hall, a 31,200-seat football stadium, and a mini-football pitch. Despite the emergence of newer sports venues, the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium maintains its historical and symbolic significance, serving as a bridge between respect for the past and the anticipation of future triumphs in Azerbaijani sports.