It’s still being discussed where the 60th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place next year. Previously, three cities have been shortlisted for hosting the event: Vienna, Innsbruck and Graz. We also took a closer look at the candidates.
Neu Marx: New hall in Vienna?
It seemed like Wiener Stadthalle was eventually the only option left in Vienna. Several scheduled concerts in May are still causing problems though. However, according to recent reports, Vienna is in with a 2nd potential venue now! The idea of constructing a new arena – adjacent to the former cattle market (Rinderhalle) in Neu Marx – is being considered. The old cattle hall was renovated in 2013 and is now used for concerts, exhibitions and other events. Detailed plans regarding a new arena next to the old building have not been revealed.
“The location of Neu Marx would have the advantage of not having to pay compensation costs for cancelled concerts in Wiener Stadthalle,” says Michael Häupl, the mayor of the city. “Vienna needs a new multipurpose hall anyway,” he adds. Häupl expects a decision regarding the host city within the next two weeks.
Good chances for Innsbruck?
According to rumours, ORF was fairly impressed by the bid of the ‘capital of the Alps’. The criteria for infrastructure and hotel capacity were met. As opposed to Wiener Stadthalle, the OlympiaWorld in Innsbruck doesn’t struggle with bookings in May.
Picture courtesy: neumarx.at, G.Pfi
