A Historic Excitement: Basel's ESC and its Impact on Southwest Germany
The news that Basel will host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has sent a wave of anticipation and expectation deep into southwest Germany. Jörg Lutz, the Independent Mayor of Lörrach, spoke to the German Press Agency, expressing optimism that the event will primarly impact the entire trinational Switzerland-French Alsace-Germany region.
Set to take place in Basel on May 17, 2023, the ESC finale will stand as a testament to its motto of "bridging borders." This strategically positioned city triumphed over Geneva, making it official as announced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The ESC gathers over 35 countries, each showcasing their musical prowess in a vibrant, colorful festival. Over 150 million people tune in for the final broadcast, with millions more watching the entrancing performances on YouTube.
Lörrach, with a population of around 49,000, looks forward to the benefits that the grand event will bring. Famed for its attractions and accommodations, the city is well-positioned to capitalize on the ESC visitor influx. Lutz shares his belief that many enthusiasts will also explore Lörrach, enamored by its unique charm.
Similarly, Diana Stöcker, the Mayor of Weil am Rhein, also discusses potential gains for the trinational region. Stöcker highlights forthcoming collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure and security across borders. Weil am Rhein, nestled on the Swiss border and home to approximately 31,000 inhabitants, stands ready to welcome international guests.
Is the ESC the key to the "40-country corner"?
In a previous Basel application video, Lutz vowed that the contest would transform the trinational region into a "40-country corner." Already, hotel prices in Basel have soared to several hundred euros per night for humble lodgings, even prior to the official announcement.
The event will take place at St. Jakobshalle, renowned for large-scale events, accommodating 12,000 people. The nearby St. Jakob-Park football stadium, which can seat 20,000 people, will provide additional broadcasting facilities. The estimated costs for hosting this event come in at around 30 to 35 million Swiss francs (approximately 37 million euros).
Switzerland's role as the 2025 ESC host was confirmed following Nemo's triumph at the 68th ESC held in Swedish Malmö. This contest brings together public broadcasting organizations primarily from Europe and EBU members, who compete with their best performances to receive the highest honors. The victorious country generally hosts the ensuing ESC celebration.
The excitement surrounding Basel hosting the Eurovision Song Contest extends to watching the event on television, attracting over 150 million viewers for the final broadcast. As the finale approaches in Basel, locals in Lörrach eagerly anticipate the visitor rush, hoping to display their city's charms to ESC enthusiasts.
- Insights: Hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel may trigger economic growth through increased tourist arrivals. Cross-border traffic and cultural exchange may also increase, as fans and participants traverse between Switzerland and Germany. Investments in infrastructure and services and media attention highlighting the region's attractions could potentially boost the local economy. However, there may also be challenges, such as increased traffic congestion, strained resources, and the need to coordinate effectively between Swiss and German authorities to manage the visitor influx.
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