The official opening of the press center of the "Eurovision-2012" context took place near the Baku Crystal Hall, which will host the contest. Many local and foreign journalists had to get to the press center on foot, because all the roads in the city center were closed, and traffic was paralyzed. These measures have been taken due to the completion of the bicycle race, devoted to Heydar Aliyev in Baku, which was launched on May 9.
Press Centre will be open every day until 26 May from 10:00 to 20:00. The Center designed for 1500-2000 persons is equipped with the latest technology, and all conditions have been provided for the operational work of journalists, including high speed Internet. There is a large monitor, broadcasting all activities taking place on the stage. There are a large number of volunteers in the press center, as well as a recreation room, which operates a free buffet. All security measures in the press center have been provided, and only media representatives having accreditation can enter the center.

Rehearsals of participants of the first semifinal of the international song contest "Eurovision-2012" have begun today in Baku Crystal Hall. Today, the representatives from nine member countries of "Eurovision-2012": Montenegro, Iceland, Greece, Latvia, Albania, Romania, Switzerland, Belgium and Finland will have rehearsals. Each rehearsal will last for 40 minutes, and then a press conference of each of the participants will be held.
Major semi-final rehearsal of the song contest "Eurovision Song Contest" will be on May 21 and 23, and the final will be on May 25.

AzerTAc