European Union's Future: Committee of Regions Advocates for Decision Support
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Austria is gearing up for a thrilling competition as it bids to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in two cities: Vienna and Innsbruck. The final decision between these two cities will be announced on August 20, 2025.
Vienna, the capital city with a population of 1.9 million, has previously hosted Eurovision twice - in 1967 and 2015. If chosen, the city will propose the Wiener Stadthalle as the venue. With a capacity of around 16,152 seats, the Stadthalle meets all the technical requirements for the contest.
Innsbruck, the fifth-largest city in Austria with a population of 130,000, is also vying for the opportunity. The city boasts extensive experience hosting major events, having been an Olympic city and host of world and European championships. The Olympiahalle in Innsbruck, in top condition and capable of accommodating around 15,000 visitors for the semi-finals and final, is the proposed venue.
The Austrian national broadcaster ORF, together with the European Broadcasting Union, will choose the host city based on several criteria such as venue suitability, infrastructure, accommodation capacity, and logistics including transportation and security.
Innsbruck hopes that the decision-makers have the courage to try something new with the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The city offers the advantage of all events for the contest being reachable on foot in just 15 minutes, and there is sufficient space around the Olympiahalle for organization, events, and technology.
Vienna, on the other hand, is often seen as the "safe bet" given its past experience and infrastructure. The Vienna Chamber of Commerce suggests that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should take place in Vienna. The city has around 80,000 hotel beds, a quarter more than in 2015, ensuring adequate accommodation for visitors.
If the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place in Vienna, it would be the second time the city hosts the event. The city's iconic Prater Stadium and Schönbrunn Palace Park offer opportunities for events and productions. The Vienna Chamber of Commerce believes that Vienna is the best location for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, and Walter Ruck, president of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, shares this sentiment.
The city of Vienna did not hesitate to join the bidding process for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is planned for May 16 or 23, 2026. Regardless of the chosen city, the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Austria promises to be an unforgettable event.
[1] Austria bids to host Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in two cities
[2] Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Austria bids to host contest in two cities
[3] Austria to bid for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in two cities
[1] "The Austrian bid for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 offers diverse entertainment options, with Vienna and Innsbruck presenting proposals for music and sports events alongside the main contest."
[2] "Both Vienna, with its rich history of hosting music events like the Eurovision Song Contest, and Innsbruck, renowned for its sports championships, are eager to offer a memorable blend of entertainment options for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026."
