The Wiener Stadthalle is determined to host the Eurovision Song Contest again next year. As the communications department of the multifunctional event hall confirmed to W24, the complex, which is part of Wien Holding, is pushing for the bid in any case – should Vienna be chosen as the host venue for 2026. Currently, several Austrian cities are positioning themselves alongside Vienna.
Stadthalle wants to host event
“The Vienna Stadthalle is still one of the leading event locations in Europe – and we are of course ready to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 at the highest technical level,” the Stadthalle told W24.
Advantages for Vienna
Vienna actually brings two relevant aspects to its bid: its previous experience with the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest and its Eurovision-tested Stadthalle. Around 11.7 million euros were invested in the renovation and adaptation of the hall.
“Back in 2015, we impressively demonstrated that we can host major international events with professionalism, hospitality, and cultural appeal. Vienna is ready to be Europe’s stage again this time,” Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) said with conviction. After all, most people still remember the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest as a well-organized event.
Praise continues online for the Stadthalle’s execution in 2015.
And the Vienna Stadthalle, which can accommodate a maximum of 16,000 visitors and, in the case of the contest at that time, 13,500 people, proved itself, in its capacity as the largest event hall in the country, to be a suitable and safe location for the world’s largest music competition. Designed by Roland Rainer and opened in 1958, the building was once specially equipped with an air conditioning system for the Vienna Eurovision Song Contest, which still provides cool air today.
As early as 1967, after Udo Jürgens’ victory with “Merci Cherie” the previous year, the song contest, then still known as the Grand Prix de la Chanson, was held in the Austrian capital – not in the Stadthalle, but in the Vienna Hofburg. At that time, however, only 17 countries participated in the competition, and the stage show was – to put it politely – in need of improvement. In this respect, the Hofburg, whose large ballroom seats 1,100, would no longer be an option.
Source w24.at
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