Graz’s Eurovision Dilemma: Glamour, Glory… and a €30 Million Bill
The city of Graz has long dreamt of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest — and who could blame it? The sequins, the spotlight, the international glory. But as 2026 inches closer and the application deadline looms, Austria’s second-largest city faces a rather unglamorous truth: it may simply not be able to afford the party.
At a roundtable meeting held Monday evening at Graz City Hall, officials acknowledged that the potential cost of hosting Eurovision 2026 is now “closer to €30 million than €20 million.” That sobering estimate was confirmed by the office of Mayor Elke Kahr (KPÖ), and it’s raising eyebrows — and blood pressure — across the Styrian capital.
Back in 2015, Graz submitted a bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest, only to see the prize go to Vienna. This time, the stakes (and the bill) are significantly higher. According to spokesperson Georg Fuchs, the costs are not so much tied to venue upgrades — which are relatively minor — but rather to a growing list of technical requirements, broadcast standards, security, and, of course, the cost of making it all look fabulous on live television.
Still, all is not lost. A final decision on whether Graz will throw its hat (and wallet) into the ring is expected on Friday. Between now and then, the city plans to engage in “constructive discussions” with the federal government and the regional Styrian authorities to secure financial support. Sponsorship talks are also on the table — because who wouldn’t want their brand next to a pyro-fuelled key change?
According to the EBU (European Broadcasting Union), aspiring host cities must submit their official bid documents by 4 July, with the final decision set to be announced by 8 August. As for the grand final itself, mark your calendars: Eurovision 2026 is tentatively pencilled in for 16 or 23 May 2026 — assuming someone is willing to pay for the glitter cannon.
So, will Graz rise to the occasion or bow out gracefully? One thing’s for sure: hosting Eurovision might win you friends, fame, and a front-row seat to international stardom — but it certainly doesn’t come cheap.
Source: Vienna.at
