Yesterday the deadline for venues all over Austria to submit an official bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 ended. The public broadcaster ORF announced the 12 candidates (5 in the capital Vienna) that have expressed their interest – and there are quite some surprising ones!
Let’s take a closer look at the submissions!
Vienna – Wiener Stadthalle
The clear frontrunner at this point. While Halle D has a capacity of 16,000 spectators, there is enough space for the press center and the other required facilities in the rest of the complex as well.
Vienna – Schloss Schönbrunn
The first surprising bid from Vienna. Eurovision in front of an imperial palace? – sounds like an exciting idea. The venue is experienced with hosting annual classical open-air concerts. However, a temporary arena would have to be built for Eurovision.
Vienna – Heldenplatz
Another site where a temporary arena could be placed. Heldenplatz would be an interesting choice since it’s right in front of Hofburg, the palace that accommodated the contest back in 1967 – the last time it was hosted in Austria.
Vienna – Krieau
The horse race track in Krieau is known for hosting large events and concerts such as Metallica or Avicii. Again, a temporary arena would be required.
Vienna – St. Marx
The former cattle market in St. Marx would need extensive adjustments for Eurovision, but would certainly make an interesting location.
Vienna/Schwechat – Vienna International Airport
One of the most surprising bids comes from the Vienna airport (which is technically outside of Vienna). It hasn’t been specified where exactly the airport is planning to host the contest, but the most logical choice would be one of the several hangars on the compound.
Wels – Messehalle
The small town of Wels is also motivated to host the contest. Despite the modern hall they can offer, the chances of a Eurovision Song Contest in Wels are rather slim.
Innsbruck – Olympiaworld
Probably the most realistic choice after the Wiener Stadthalle. The Olympia hall in Innsbruck can accommodate up to 12,000 viewers.
Klagenfurt – Wörtherseestadion
The biggest potential venue. The stadium can offer a capacity of 32,000. Plans for a roof have already been made.
Graz – Stadthalle
The second largest city of Austria is interested in hosting Eurovision Song Contest as well. The Stadthalle would be a rather small (capacity: 11,000) but solid venue for the event to take place in.
Graz/Unterpremstätten – Schwarzl Freizeitzentrum
Unterpremstätten is a small town 7km away from Graz. The venue is a tent-like structure which is frequently hosting large events.
Oberwart – Messezentrum
The biggest outsider bid comes from Oberwart. It is highly doubtful whether a small village of 7,000 inhabitants is capable of hosting the contest.
What do you think? Where do you want Eurovision 2015 to be held?
