Since Nemo’s victory for Switzerland at Eurovision 2024, many have been trying to crack the code of who will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. So far, numerous cities have declared their interest. Now, local Swiss broadcaster SRF has revealed that four cities are officially submitting bids to host next May.
Four largest Swiss cities to bid for Eurovision 2025
According to reports from Swiss broadcaster SRF, the four largest cities will officially submit City Bid Books. Over the past month, cities in Switzerland have been considering their host city bid proposals in anticipation of bringing Eurovision back to Switzerland for the third time. The founding nation of the contest hosted and won the first edition in Lugano in 1956.
Recently, SRG SSR the Swiss national broadcaster, confirmed that cities have until the end of June to submit their City Bid Books. An announcement on the winning host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is expected in August. Some early speculation, suggested the Grand Final of the next contest could be May 10 2025. Early reports from, Zurich, Geneva, Bern & Biel/Bienne, and Basel had officially confirmed their bids. Meanwhile, St. Gallen, Lausanne and Lugano ruled out bidding. Fribourg had also considered the likelihood of submitting a proposal. Now we are down to the final four, we can delve further into their prospective bids.
Basel
The Canton of Basel-Stadt had previously confirmed its intention to officially bid. Known as a hub of arts and culture, Basel sees hosting Eurovision as an opportunity to embrace those traditions. Ideally situated on the Swiss, French, German border, Basel also offers an attractive option for those wanting to commute into the city and make use of cheaper accommodation and travel options beyond the Swiss border. Basel and its surrounding areas boast a considerable amount of hotel spaces at over 10,000.
The foundation of Basel’s bid focuses on the 12,400 capacity St. Jakobshalle concert hall. However, the venue ceiling height is only 17.65m, just short of the 18m minimum required for a Eurovision host venue. Elsewhere in the city, there is also the 40,000 capacity St. Jakob-Park. Although reports suggest Basel are proposing this as an alternative venue, it seems unlikely as the football stadium currently has no roof. Should the EBU favour this, a ‘temporary ceiling reinforcement’ could be included in the plans.
Bern & Biel/Bienne
Much like the collaboration this year between Malmö and Copenhagen. A similar concept is in Bern and Biel/Bienne’s potential bid. Aside from the attraction of Bern’s role as the capital city of Switzerland, Biel is also the hometown of Eurovision 2024 winner, Nemo. However, the last contest to be hosted in its capital city was Lisbon back in 2018. Since then, it has been a popular trend to raise the profile of other cities beyond the capital. Could 2025 break the trend?
Initially there had been some reluctance from Bern to consider bidding. However, with support from the Council of Biel and the BERNEXPO Groupe, a bid has now been submitted under the slogan of ‘Bern United’. The host venue in consideration is the Neue Festhalle. Meanwhile, the Tissot Arena in Biel would host additional events required for the contest. The Council of Biel are confident the venue meets the specifications for a modern event. The still in construction, Neue Festhalle is set to open its doors in Spring 2025. Although, at only 9,000 capacity, this is on the low side compared to many Eurovision host venues. Other considerations include the limited hotel availability for such an event. As well as the capacity of the nearest airport to facilitate thousands of travelling fans, media and delegations.
- Eurovision Village: Bern – In the surrounding area of the Neue Festhalle.
- Handover Ceremony & Running Order Draw: Biel.
- Turquoise Carpet/Opening Ceremony: Bern – Helvetiaplatz-Kirchenfeldbrücke-Kulturcasino.
- Public Viewing Zone: Bern – Bundesplatz.
- Public Viewing Zone “Home-Town”: Biel
In terms of financial support, Bern are willing to contribute 7.3 million Euros. Meanwhile, Biel/Bienne would contribute 1.04 million Euros. Further support from private sponsors and BERNEXPO have also been confirmed.
Geneva
As the local headquarters of the European Broadcasting Union, Geneva were first to offer their hosting services for Eurovision 2025. With close proximity to the French border, Geneva is also hoping the lure of providing cheaper accommodation and travel options from across the border will sway the EBU’s decision. Geneva Airport is also an international travel hub and is in walking distance of the proposed venue. As a tourist destination, Geneva has ample hotel capacity with over 8,000 rooms available.
The Palexpo is a 15,000 capacity exhibition centre, which can also provide 2,000 spaces for delegations and media. All three convention centres on site would be made available for Eurovision. One drawback however, is the low ceiling height of 12m for the main hall and doubts concerning the venues ability to host a modern television production to the standards required.
Zurich
Many consider Zurich to be the front runner of the bidding process and with good reason. The city put forward its credentials soon after Geneva. Early reports revealed that the CEO of Hallenstadion had been advised to prepare for Eurovision 2025, following Nemo’s victory. “We were told to reserve six to eight weeks from around the beginning of April to mid-May 2025. With a possible, still unofficial date for the final on May 10th.”
Today, the city of Zurich has officially confirmed its bid, as well as revealing further details of its plans. Much of the proposal centres around the Hallenstadion. The largest city in Switzerland, also boasts the largest indoor venue in the country. At 15,000 capacity, the Hallenstadion exceeds the minimum requirements of the EBU. It also passes the minimum ceiling height of 18m. Although the new, Swiss Life Arena does meet the EBU requirements, it is fully booked for the dates needed. Furthermore, the Hallenstadion holds the contract exclusivity for holding concerts. The Swiss Life Arena is predominantly a sports arena.
Next door to the Hallenstadion is the Zurich Exhibition Hall that can provide additional space for media and delegations. Other venues include a Eurovision Village at Landiwiese by Lake Zürich and the Zurich Convention Centre which could host the Opening Ceremony, Euroclub and other events.
As the hotspot for nightlife and a growing LGBTQ+ community, Zurich prides itself on making the city the go to destination for Eurovision next May. Zurich Airport is the largest airport in Switzerland and is only 15mins away from the Hallenstadion using public transport. To support the bid, the Zurich City Council is proposing a 20.84 million Euros framework loan should Zurich be selected.
Which city are you backing to host Eurovision 2025? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube for our interviews and reactions ahead of Eurovision 2025.
