Eurovision 2025: Basel Leads the Race with Official Bid; Bern and Biel-Bienne Explore Joint Hosting Plan

As Switzerland celebrates its victory in Eurovision 2024, a thrilling competition is unfolding among its cities to host the prestigious event in 2025. Basel has formally declared its candidacy, while the capital city Bern, in collaboration with Biel-Bienne, is considering a joint bid. With the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) releasing a comprehensive set of requirements, the stage is set for an intense bidding process. Cities must submit their proposals by the end of June, with the winning host city announced in late August.

Basel Takes the Lead with Official Bid

Basel has formally confirmed its bid to host Eurovision 2025, positioning itself as a strong contender. On 5th June, the Basel-Stadt Canton Government gave the official go-ahead, emphasising Basel’s suitability due to its central location, excellent international transport links, and extensive experience in hosting major events.

The city is evaluating two potential venues: St. Jakobshalle, an indoor arena with a capacity of 12,400 spectators, and St. Jakob-Park, Switzerland’s largest stadium, accommodating up to 40,000 spectators. While the former was renovated in 2018, the latter lacks a roof, presenting a unique challenge.

«If Basel wins the bid, Eurovision will be hosted in the St. Jakob area, which boasts extensive multipurpose infrastructure,» stated the Basel-Stadt Canton Government. «In addition to St. Jakobshalle, St. Jakob-Park is under consideration, supported by the Basel 1893 football club.»

A comprehensive support programme is also planned, featuring a Eurovision village with public viewing areas, musical performances, and an Euroclub for socialising. The total cost of the event, including infrastructure, security, transportation, and related activities, is still being calculated. Additional budgets will also be allocated for the Swiss public broadcaster (SRG) production expenses.

Conradin Cramer, President of Basel-Stadt Canton, previously expressed enthusiasm, saying, «It would be a great honour for Basel to host the next Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland.» He highlighted Basel’s superior infrastructure, accessibility, and hospitality.

Bern and Biel-Bienne Consider Joint Hosting

In a bid to bring Eurovision 2025 to their region, Bern and Biel-Bienne are exploring a joint hosting plan with Bernexpo Groupe. «Hosting the event in Nemo’s hometown is logical and presents a fantastic opportunity for Bern and Biel-Bienne. Eurovision will bring enormous exposure to the region and fits well with the capital’s open, bilingual, and diverse nature,» stated Biel-Bienne officials.

The proposed primary venue is Festhalle in Bern, with Tissot Arena in Biel-Bienne slated for related events. The partners are currently assessing whether they can meet the stringent requirements set by the Swiss television network, particularly in terms of security, logistics, and costs. A final decision on submitting a bid is expected by the end of June. The city councils of Bern and Biel-Bienne, along with Bernexpo, are optimistic that a joint bid will be feasible and successful.

Other Interested Cities

Geneva: The first city to declare its intent, Geneva plans to host Eurovision at Palexpo Geneva, a venue that can accommodate nearly 15,000 spectators. Geneva is Switzerland’s second-largest city and home to numerous international organisations, including the EBU.

Zurich: Zurich is also in the running, likely proposing Hallenstadion as the venue, which holds about 13,000 spectators. Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, sees hosting Eurovision as a significant opportunity for positive exposure.

St. Gallen: Proposing the new SGKB Halle, St. Gallen is supported by neighbouring Liechtenstein, which is keen to collaborate on tourism if St. Gallen wins the bid.

Fribourg: Fribourg is considering BCF Arena, although its capacity of 9,000 spectators falls short of the Eurovision requirement of 10,000.

Cities Not Bidding

Lugano: Lugano, the host of the first Eurovision in 1956, has ruled out a bid due to a lack of suitable venues.

Lausanne: Lausanne has also declined, citing inadequate infrastructure and venue availability issues during the required period.

Eurovision 2025 Overview

Eurovision 2025, the 69th edition of the contest, will be held in Switzerland following its victory with «The Code» by Nemo. This will mark the third time Switzerland hosts Eurovision, having previously done so in 1956 and 1989.

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