The eagerly awaited decision on the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be announced tomorrow before midday. This critical choice comes after an extensive evaluation process involving four Swiss cities: Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and the joint bid from Bern and Biel. The people in charge are meeting tonight to chose the two remaining cities in the run to host Eurovision 2025.
Selection Process
The decision-making process for selecting the host city is thorough and involves several key stakeholders. The evaluation and selection are conducted by a steering committee composed of representatives from SRG SSR, the Swiss public broadcasting organization, and other relevant authorities. This committee is led by Gilles Marchand, Director General of SRG SSR, and includes notable members such as Nathalie Wappler (Director of SRF), Mario Timbal (Director of RSI), Beat Grossenbacher (Head of Finance at SRG), and Bakel Walden (Director of Development & Offering at SRG). The decision will be made in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and PWC to ensure that the selected city meets all the necessary criteria.
Zurich’s Bid: The Big Favorite
Zurich is the standout contender and is considered the big favorite in this race. The city has launched an extensive campaign, “Züri isch ESC,” with strong backing from cultural and financial institutions. Zurich’s proposal includes the Hallenstadion, with a 15,000-spectator capacity, as the main venue. Additionally, the scenic Landiwiese will be utilized for the Eurovision Village, providing a picturesque lakeside location for public viewings and various concerts. The city government has allocated CHF 20 million, and the canton has added CHF 5 million to support their bid, emphasizing their determination to host Eurovision at all costs. Zurich’s Euroclub is planned to be hosted at the Kongresshaus/Tonhalle, with ceremonies adding to the city’s appeal.
Basel’s Competitive Edge
Basel’s bid leverages its experience in hosting large-scale events like Art Basel. Proposed venues include the St. Jakobshalle, accommodating 12,400 people, and the adjacent St. Jakob Park for the Eurovision Village. Basel’s bid emphasizes the city’s strategic location at the borders of Switzerland, France, and Germany. The local government has outlined a plan to invest between CHF 20 and 30 million if their bid is successful. Additionally, Basel has plans to temporarily reinforce the roof of the St. Jakobshalle to meet the requirements if selected, showcasing their flexibility and commitment.
Geneva’s Proposal
Geneva offers the Palexpo, seating 15,000, backed by excellent accommodation options and a major international airport. Geneva’s commitment to providing a seamless experience for visitors, along with its international reputation and the presence of the EBU headquarters, strengthens its bid. Geneva is also emphasizing its cosmopolitan appeal and readiness to welcome the Eurovision community, hoping to capture attention as a prime candidate.
Bern and Biel’s Joint Bid
The joint bid from Bern and Biel features the Neue Festhalle in Bern and the Tissot Arena in Biel. Despite strong local support and financial pledges of CHF 7.3 million from Bern and CHF 1.04 million from Biel, this bid faces challenges due to ongoing construction and limited hotel capacity. The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and the Federal Democratic Union Party have also launched a referendum against the cantonal financial contribution to the event, adding uncertainty to Bern’s bid.
Eurovoxx Coverage
Eurovoxx has been closely following the bidding process, providing detailed articles on each city’s proposal, including Basel’s bid. We will continue to cover the developments, including Zurich’s bid, and provide comprehensive analyses on each bid. Stay tuned for more updates on Eurovoxx.tv.
What are your thoughts on the selection process and the competing bids for Eurovision 2025? Which city do you believe has the best shot at hosting? Share your opinions and join the conversation below!
Sources:
•SRF
