Austria opens Eurovision 2026 host city race: Vienna, Graz… or Ebreichsdorf?
ORF officially launches the Eurovision bidding process as multiple Austrian cities enter the ring. Is this Vienna’s to lose?
Article:
Austria has officially kickstarted its search for the Eurovision 2026 host city, following JJ’s dazzling victory in Basel. The Austrian broadcaster ORF will oversee a two-stage bidding process.
First comes the expression of interest, followed by a formal bid submission due by July 4, 2025 at 12:00 CEST.
🧾 Basic criteria:
- A venue with a minimum 10,000 capacity
- Availability for 8 full weeks (7 before, 1 after the show)
- Strong international transport links
- Ample local accommodation
- Clear strategies for logistics, safety and sustainability
ORF’s tender also reveals provisional show dates:
- Option 1: Semi-Finals on 12 & 14 May, Grand Final on 16 May
- Option 2: Semi-Finals on 19 & 21 May, Grand Final on 23 May
🏙️ Cities considering bids:
- Vienna (Wiener Stadthalle)
- Graz
- Innsbruck
- Linz & Wels (joint bid)
- St. Pölten
- Oberwart
- Ebreichsdorf (pitching the futuristic “Comer City”)
Vienna is the safe bet. It’s got the arena, the know-how, and the schnitzel. But don’t underestimate underdogs like Ebreichsdorf, whose Comer City concept could be the dark horse in this opera.
Who will host the 70th Eurovision? Austria is playing its cards – and we’re watching closely.
Source: ORF
