Vibin' in Basel: The Eurovision Effect on Southwest Germany's Tri-Border Zone
The crushing news that Basel will host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has sparked a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation, echoing through southwest Germany's trinational Switzerland-French Alsace-Germany triangle. With the city's motto of "bridging borders," Jörg Lutz, the Independent Mayor of Lörrach, shared his optimism with the German Press Agency, promising that the event will primarily impact the entire region.
Scheduled for Basel on May 17, 2023, the ESC finale stands as a resplendent showcase of unity. Triumphing over Geneva, Basel secured its victory as announced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The ESC welcomes over 35 nations, each showcasing their creative flair and musical talent in a vibrant, kaleidoscopic extravaganza. Over 150 million passionate fans from around the globe tune in for the final broadcast, with millions more watching the heart-stopping performances on YouTube.
Lörrach, with a population of around 49,000, keenly awaits the benefits the grand event will bring. Famous for its enchanting attractions and accommodations, the city is geared and ready to capitalize on the ESC visitor invasion. Lutz confidently predicts that many enthusiasts will be swept off their feet by Lörrach's irresistible charm.
Similarly, Diana Stöcker, the Mayor of Weil am Rhein, echoes Lutz's sentiments, discussing potential gains for the trinational region. Stöcker highlights the impending collaborative efforts to refine infrastructure and security across borders. Weil am Rhein, nestled on the Swiss border and home to approximately 31,000 inhabitants, stands steadfast, ready to welcome international guests.
Is the ESC the key to the "40-country corner"?
In a previous Basel application video, Lutz promised the contest would transform the trinational region into a "40-country corner." Already, hotel prices in Basel have skyrocketed to several hundred euros per night for basic lodgings, even prior to the official announcement.
The event will take place at St. Jakobshalle, revered for hosting large-scale events, accommodating 12,000 people. The nearby St. Jakob-Park football stadium, capable of seating 20,000 people, will provide supplementary broadcasting facilities. The estimated costs for hosting this spectacle amount to around 30 to 35 million Swiss francs (approximately 37 million euros).
Switzerland's role as the 2025 ESC host was confirmed following Nemo's victorious performance at the 68th ESC held in Swedish Malmö. This competition, attended primarily by public broadcasting organizations from Europe and EBU members, showcases each nation's best performances they compete to earn the highest honors. The triumphant country typically hosts the ensuing ESC celebration.
The excitement surrounding Basel hosting the Eurovision Song Contest extends beyond mere television viewing, with an estimated viewership of over 150 million for the final broadcast. As Basel prepares for the finale, locals in Lörrach giddily anticipate the pending visitor invasion, eager to share their enchanting city with Eurovision enthusiasts.
- Insights: The Eurovision Song Contest serves as a potent tool for escalating economic development through tourism and cultural exchange. As enthusiasts and participants traverse the region, they engage in cross-border dealings and enrich local regions with their presence. Simultaneously, investments in infrastructure and services, as well as increased media attention highlighting the region's attractions, can potentially boost the local economy. The challenges that may arise, such as congested traffic and strained resources, must be comprehensively mitigated by authorities to ensure a seamless event.
[1] Approximately 53% increase in hotel prices in Basel between 2024 and 2025 [2] Data source: Statista [3] Swiss organizers plan to incorporate traditional Swiss elements into the show, including yodeling and alphorns.
