Earlier today, SRG SSR took the Eurovision community a step closer to learning the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 taking place in Switzerland next May. The final two cities shortlisted, are Geneva and Basel.
The final two: Geneva and Basel
Since Nemo’s victory earlier this May, numerous cities and regions across Switzerland have submitted City Bid Books to SRG SSR in the hope of securing the rights to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Following the assessment of the bids by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the ESC 2025 Steering Committee, four cities have been whittled down to the final two. This leaves Geneva and Basel to battle it out for the hosting bragging rights. However, all is not lost for Zurich and Bern & Biel/Bienne. Despite not making the latter stages of the host city process, the production team for Eurovision 2025 may yet consider their inclusion for support events and public viewings.
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. A venue with experience of hosting the World Ice Hockey Championships and UEFA EURO 2008. 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.
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. Among the proposed areas are Hall 4 and Hall 5, which do satisfy the 18m ceiling height requirement. In terms of investment, the Canton of Geneva hopes to raise 30 million CHF, (31 million Euros) in funding to host the contest. However, the ability of the venue to host a modern television production to the standards required with the EBU preferring concert arenas in recent years, is a concern.
A further review of the two remaining bids will be undertaken by SRG SSR. A final decision to decide the host city of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will take place in August. Some early speculation, suggested the Grand Final of the next contest could be May 10 2025.
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.
