New Gates and Access Control Systems
A significant part of the renovation involved upgrading the spectator entry control system. This was especially important following the qualification of Persepolis for the 2018 AFC Champions League final, which placed the stadium in the international spotlight. To meet international standards, new spectator entry gates were installed to improve security and manage the flow of people into the stadium. These gates were equipped with modern access control systems, which allowed for more efficient ticket scanning and crowd management, helping to prevent overcrowding and ensuring a safer environment for fans.
These upgrades were crucial for the stadium’s ability to host high-profile international matches, as they helped bring the venue closer to the stringent requirements set by the AFC and FIFA.
The Discovery of Hidden Toilets
One of the more surprising developments in 2018 was the discovery of a set of toilets that had been hidden behind a wall in Azadi Stadium. According to reports, these toilets had been out of sight for many years, leading to speculation about how such a basic facility could remain unused for so long. The discovery was met with a mixture of amusement and frustration from fans, as the stadium had often been criticized for its inadequate bathroom facilities.
The hidden toilets became a symbol of the stadium’s long-standing infrastructure problems, highlighting the need for continued renovations and upgrades. Following their discovery, the toilets were quickly incorporated into the stadium’s facilities, offering much-needed relief to the overcrowded bathrooms that had previously served the stadium’s large crowds.
