Swiss broadcaster SRF reveals four cities are bidding to host Eurovision Song Contest 2025: Basel, Bern & Biel/Bienne, Geneva and Zurich
Following Nemo’s triumph at Eurovision 2024, speculation abounds regarding the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Numerous Swiss cities have expressed their interest, and Swiss broadcaster SRF has now confirmed that four cities are officially submitting bids for the event to be held next May.
Four Major Swiss Cities Submit Bids for Eurovision 2025
According to SRF, the four largest cities in Switzerland will formally submit City Bid Books. Over the past month, various cities have been preparing their proposals, aiming to bring Eurovision back to Switzerland for the third time. Switzerland, a founding nation of the contest, hosted and won the inaugural edition in Lugano in 1956.
The Swiss national broadcaster SRG SSR has stated that cities have until the end of June to submit their City Bid Books, with the winning host city expected to be announced in August. Early reports indicated potential bids from Zurich, Geneva, Bern & Biel/Bienne, and Basel, while St. Gallen, Lausanne, and Lugano opted out. Fribourg considered submitting a proposal but ultimately did not proceed. The final four cities are now being evaluated based on their detailed bids.
Basel
The Canton of Basel-Stadt has confirmed its intention to bid. As a cultural hub, Basel views hosting Eurovision as an opportunity to showcase its rich artistic heritage. Strategically located on the Swiss, French, and German borders, Basel offers convenient travel and accommodation options, with over 10,000 hotel rooms available.
The core of Basel’s bid is the 12,400-capacity St. Jakobshalle concert hall, although its ceiling height of 17.65 meters is slightly below the 18-meter minimum required for a Eurovision venue. Alternatively, Basel has proposed the 40,000-capacity St. Jakob-Park stadium, but its lack of a roof presents challenges. A ‘temporary ceiling reinforcement’ is being considered if this venue is chosen.
By applying to host the ESC, Basel is competing with other cities. In order to protect its interests as a candidate, the canton is not providing any information on costs until the application process has ended. The Grand Council will decide on the financing.
Bern & Biel/Bienne
Bern and Biel/Bienne have collaborated on a joint bid, mirroring the successful Malmö and Copenhagen partnership. Bern’s status as the capital city and Biel’s connection to Nemo, the Eurovision 2024 winner, add unique appeal. Despite initial reluctance, Bern has partnered with Biel and the BERNEXPO Groupe to submit a bid under the slogan ‘Bern United.’ The proposed host venue is the Neue Festhalle, set to open in Spring 2025 with a 9,000 capacity, complemented by additional events at the Tissot Arena in Biel.
Key event locations include:
- Eurovision Village: Bern, near the Neue Festhalle.
- Handover Ceremony & Running Order Draw: Biel.
- Turquoise Carpet/Opening Ceremony: Bern, at Helvetiaplatz-Kirchenfeldbrücke-Kulturcasino.
- Public Viewing Zones: Bern at Bundesplatz and Biel as the “Home-Town.”
Financial support includes €7.3 million from Bern, €1.04 million from Biel/Bienne, with additional funding from private sponsors and BERNEXPO. Total cost €8,34 million.
Geneva
Geneva, home to the European Broadcasting Union, was among the first to declare its bid. With proximity to the French border, Geneva aims to offer affordable accommodation and travel options. Geneva Airport, an international hub, is conveniently close to the proposed venue.
The Palexpo, a 15,000-capacity exhibition center, is equipped with 2,000 spaces for delegations and media. However, the main hall’s 12-meter ceiling height raises concerns about meeting the technical requirements for a modern television production.
Geneva plans to invest €31 million if it were to be chosen as the hot city.
Zurich
Zurich is widely regarded as the frontrunner in the bidding process. The city’s bid centers around the Hallenstadion, Switzerland’s largest indoor venue with a 15,000 capacity and an 18-meter ceiling height, meeting EBU requirements. Although the Swiss Life Arena meets the necessary criteria, it is fully booked, and Hallenstadion holds exclusivity for concert events. The Zurich Exhibition Hall, adjacent to Hallenstadion, offers additional space for media and delegations.
Proposed event locations include:
- Eurovision Village: Landiwiese by Lake Zürich.
- Opening Ceremony, Euroclub, and other events: Zurich Convention Centre.
Zurich, known for its vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ community, aims to make the city a prime destination for Eurovision 2025. Zurich Airport, the largest in Switzerland, is just 15 minutes from Hallenstadion by public transport. Zurich City Council is backing the bid with a proposed €20.84 million framework loan.
With strong bids from Basel, Bern & Biel/Bienne, Geneva, and Zurich, the decision on the host city for Eurovision 2025 will be highly anticipated. The winning city will be announced in August!
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