The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is still a year away, but several Swiss cities are already vying for hosting the prestigious event. Following Switzerland’s victory at the 2024 contest in Malmö, cities across the country are eager to showcase their culture, hospitality, and musical diversity on the international stage.
The Criteria: Size Matters
According to SRG spokesman Edi Estermann, the host city must meet several criteria to successfully organize the ESC. These include having sufficiently large venues, adequate accommodations, and the necessary infrastructure to support the event’s catering and hospitality needs. These requirements are likely to narrow the field down to a few select cities.
The Dimensions: A Major Event with Global Impact
Estermann compares the ESC to a European Football Championship or even an Olympic Games in terms of its scale and impact. Tourism expert Florian Eggli from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences concurs, emphasizing that the event is not just about attracting tourists but also about enhancing Switzerland’s image: “This is a major event with a huge reach.” He adds that the event generates significant economic value both during and after its occurrence, as it positively influences the destination’s image. Eggli points out that cities like Zurich, Basel, and Geneva have the best chances of hosting due to their existing infrastructure and international connections.
Geneva: A Strong Contender with a Legacy
Geneva was the first Swiss city to submit a bid for hosting Eurovision 2025. Palexpo and the Geneva authorities have been working on a proposal for several weeks, highlighting the city’s suitability for the event. Palexpo Geneva offers a spacious venue with a capacity of nearly 15,000 spectators and 32,000 square meters of space. Additionally, Geneva played a significant role in the inception of the Eurovision Song Contest, as the International Radio Union, the predecessor of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), was founded in the city in 1925.
Basel: Ready to Welcome the World
“Basel is ready,” declared the Canton of Basel-Stadt in response to inquiries from Keystone-SDA. The entire city cheered for Nemo during the contest and was thrilled with his victory. “It would be great and honorable if Basel could host the next edition of this globally popular singing competition for Switzerland,” said government spokesman Marco Greiner. Government President Conradin Cramer listed three key arguments in favor of Basel: infrastructure, accessibility, and hospitality.
St. Gallen: Olma Halls as a Potential Venue
Christine Bolt, the head of the Olma agricultural exhibition in eastern Switzerland, is keen on bringing the ESC to St. Gallen. “It’s our turn now,” she told SRF. She believes the new Olma Hall, inaugurated in early March, would be an ideal venue for the event, with a capacity of up to 12,000 people.
Biel: Nemo’s Hometown Shows Enthusiasm
While not yet an official contender, Biel, Nemo’s hometown, has already expressed its enthusiasm for hosting the event. The city of around 60,000 inhabitants, located about 100 kilometers southwest of Basel on Lake Biel, is bilingual and known as Switzerland’s watchmaking capital. Despite concerns about the availability of hotel accommodations for participants and visitors, Biel is eager to celebrate its hometown hero’s victory.
The Selection Process: Speed is Key
The Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR will ultimately decide the host city. They will evaluate bids based on factors such as venue capacity, infrastructure, budget proposals, and the overall vision for the event. Public opinion and the city’s ability to create a unique and memorable Eurovision experience are also likely to play a role in the selection process.
With several strong contenders in the race, the selection process for Eurovision 2025 promises to be intense. One thing is certain: the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest hosted by Switzerland is sure to be an unforgettable event.
Source: SRF
