Basel Announced as Host City for Eurovision 2025!

Basel has been officially selected as the host city for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, as announced just moments ago by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Swiss public broadcaster SRG-SSR.

Selection Process

Forty days ago, Basel and Geneva emerged as the two finalist cities in SRG-SSR’s selection process to determine the host for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Switzerland next May. After weeks of anticipation, the mystery has been solved, and Basel will welcome the biggest televised event in Europe next spring.

Dates

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for the second/third week of May. The first semi-final will be held on Tuesday, 13th May, the second semi-final on Thursday, 15th May, and the grand final will take place on Saturday, 17th May.

Venue

The contest will be hosted at St. Jakobshalle, an arena located in Münchenstein, near Basel. Primarily used for indoor sports and concert events, St. Jakobshalle originally opened in September 1976 with a capacity of 9,000 people. Following renovations, the venue can now accommodate up to 12,400 spectators and has hosted numerous concerts and sports events, including the Swiss Indoors men’s tennis tournament.

Statements

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest said:

”The EBU is thrilled that Basel has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The Contest was born in Switzerland in Lugano back in 1956 and it’s great to be bringing it back to its birthplace almost 70 years later.’

Basel’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe makes it the ideal setting for an event that celebrates the power of music to connect people across borders.

With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Basel reflects the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest. The city’s exceptional St.Jakobshalle venue and outstanding hospitality will ensure a memorable experience for delegations, artists and fans alike.

Following Contests in the Italian and French speaking parts of the country in 1956 and 1989 we’re also excited to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to German Switzerland for the very first time.

Together with Host Broadcaster SRG SSR and the city of Basel we will create a spectacular celebration of music on the banks of the River Rhine that resonates far beyond the stage.’

Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of Basel said:

‘It is a great honour for Basel to be able to host the world’s biggest live music event! We are looking forward to this fantastic opportunity to present Basel to the world as a cosmopolitan city of culture in the heart of Europe. As an open city in the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland, we overcome borders of all kinds every day. This fits in perfectly with the Eurovision Song Contest. We are already looking forward to welcoming our guests from all over Europe: welcome to Basel!’

Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler, SRG SSR’s Joint Executive Producers of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, added:

‘We were impressed by the quality of the cities’ applications! All 4 cities, and especially Geneva and Basel in the final round, fought for the title of “Host City” with creative approaches and a very constructive approach. Such commitment is by no means a matter of course. Our thanks therefore go to all the cities that applied. We look forward to working with you to make the ESC an unforgettable experience for the whole population.’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6ff8tNCY2M

What Do You Think?

How do you feel about Basel being chosen as the host city for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Source: Eurovision.tv