It’s only a matter of days now. Very soon (“late July/early August”) we will get to know the host city of the 60th Eurovision Song Contest that will either take place in Vienna, Innsbruck or Graz. Whereas Innsbruck looked like a dark horse for quite a while, Austrian media seem to suggest Vienna is the big favourite now.
We asked the readers of ESC United about their opinion as well: 71% of you want the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 to take place in the capital Vienna. Innsbruck with 25% got a respectable result as well while Graz with 5% is placed a distant third.
Does the EBU favour Vienna?
According to the Austrian press agency, insider sources have reported that the European Broadcasting Union wants Vienna to host the contest. Firstly, the venue in the capital would be the only one where the green room could be incorporated in the audience area. It would also allow a significantly bigger audience capacity than the arenas in Innsbruck and Graz and therefore higher ticket revenues. Secondly, the EBU also seems to prefer Vienna for sponsorship reasons – the capital is said to be more attractive for international sponsors.
Moreover, ORF seems pleased with the acoustics and technical possibilities the Wiener Stadthalle offers. Another advantage would be the fact that the broadcaster offices wouldn’t have to move to another city.
Financial issues
Innsbruck seems to have one big advantage, however. Their city government seems more financially generous than Vienna. Several Austrian newspapers have also reported about costly adaptations of the Wiener Stadthalle being required – there is talk of sums of up to 12 million euros. A spokesperson of the venue in Vienna has denied this rumour though: The Eurovision Song Contest could take place there “without any major adaptions”. Another problem is the fact that several concerts scheduled for April and May would have to be cancelled which is not a cheap undertaking either. It is possible that these events can be moved to other venues though – high compensation costs could be avoided that way.
ESC United will let you know as soon as we find out the host city of ESC 2015! Stay tuned!
Sources: Die Presse | Kurier | Der Standard • Picture courtesy: Karina Tischlinger
