Saint Gall has officially withdrawn its bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, citing excessive financial demands and technical limitations as the primary reasons. This decision has disappointed many fans who were eager to see the city host the prestigious event.
According to local media, the financial requirements set forth by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Swiss national broadcaster SRG SSR proved too burdensome for the city to manage. Additionally, the new Olma hall, although spacious, was found to have a roof that is too low to accommodate the elaborate staging and technical setups required for Eurovision.

Christine Bolt, head of the Olma agricultural exhibition in Saint Gall, mentioned that while the new Olma hall would have been an excellent venue, the combined financial and structural challenges were beyond what the city could accommodate. This includes not just the direct costs of hosting but also the significant modifications needed to meet Eurovision’s technical specifications.

The race to host Eurovision 2025 now continues with Zurich, Geneva and Basel as the leading contenders. Geneva’s Palexpo convention center, which can hold nearly 15,000 spectators, is a strong candidate. Basel, known for its robust infrastructure and hospitality, is also in the running, though it has not specified a particular venue yet but has some options.
Switzerland is set to host Eurovision 2025 following the victory of Swiss artist Nemo with the song “The Code” at the 2024 contest in Malmö. The final decision on the host city is expected to be made by the end of August 2024.
What do you think about Saint Gall’s withdrawal from the Eurovision 2025 hosting bid? Share your thoughts and which city you think should host the event in the comments below!
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