Another day, another Italian city shows interest in hosting Eurovision 2022. We can now add Verona to the list!
Gianmarco Mazzi, the Artistic Director of Verona Arena has expressed interest in hosting Eurovision 2022. The Verona Arena is a historic Roman amphitheatre and would of course require a lot of work to be made suitable for the contest.
The Artistic Director recognises this fact, but at least wants to present his interest.
Never say never in life, but I want to be honest, I think it will be very difficult. Eurovision foresees crazy structures that logistically do not reconcile with our amphitheatre, it takes months of work and above all they usually choose covered locations because otherwise in case of rain it would be a disaster. Fortunately for us we have a mayor who always pushes hard on the accelerator and does everything to bring the big events to Verona so I would never say never, but it will be very difficult to see Eurovision 2022 in the Arena.
Verona is situated in the north of Italy, close to Italy’s largest lake Laggio di Garda. (Lake Garda) The city’s artistic heritage has made it one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, hosting several annual fairs, shows, and operas. The Roman amphitheatre is it’s most famous attraction – Eurovision fans will recognise it as the venue for Diadato’s performance in 2020. Of course Eurovision fans also have another reason to recognise Verona! (some Estonians were lost there?)
Eleven cities showing interest
Italian broadcaster Rai will be holding a bidding process to determine which city will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. The official bids have yet to be put forward but so far we’ve heard from the following cities.
- Turin
- Milan
- Pesaro
- Reggio Emilia
- Bologna
- Naples
- Rome
- Rimini
- Florence
- Sanremo
- Verona
Måneskin won the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with Zitti E Buoni, taking us to Italy for the first time since 1991. We will report as more bids to host come in!