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Vienna and Innsbruck Compete to Host Eurovision Song Contest 2026
The race to host the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Austria is heating up, with Vienna and Innsbruck both presenting strong cases for the coveted position. The Austrian Broadcaster ORF is expected to make a decision around August 20, 2025 [2][3][4].
Vienna, the capital and a proven host city, is confident of securing the contest once again. Having hosted ESC in 1967 and 2015, Vienna offers the Wiener Stadthalle, an established venue with a capacity of about 16,000 spectators [1][2]. The city boasts excellent transport connections via Vienna International Airport and public transit, and extensive hotel accommodations, with around 80,000 beds available [4]. Walter Ruck, president of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, is optimistic about Vienna's chances, stating that the city is better equipped to host the ESC than in 2015 [1].
On the other hand, Innsbruck, a smaller alpine city, is proposing the Olympiahalle as the venue under the slogan “Together on Top” [2][4]. Although it lacks the capacity and size of Vienna, Innsbruck offers an accessible and intimate setting, with potential to create a unique alpine atmosphere for the contest [2][4]. The city has recent experience with international events, having been an Olympic city and host of world and European championships [4].
ORF is carefully reviewing proposals and conducting discussions with both cities, considering factors such as venue size (at least 10,000 capacity), availability for preparations, hotel capacity, and press center facilities [3][4]. The decision process highlights these practical criteria alongside concept creativity.
Innsbruck, the fifth-largest city in Austria with 130,000 inhabitants, has not hosted the ESC before. However, the city is confident that it can accommodate guests for the ESC, with enough hotel beds within a 25-kilometer radius [4]. Innsbruck's alpine backdrop, with approximately 2,000-meter-high mountains, is expected to provide a stunning setting for the ESC week [4]. The Olympiahalle in Innsbruck can accommodate around 15,000 visitors for the semi-finals and final of the ESC [4]. Additionally, Innsbruck has more space around the Olympiahalle for organization, events, and technology compared to Vienna [4].
If Innsbruck secures the ESC, the city's tourism chief, Anzengruber, states that if the ESC comes to Innsbruck, the whole city will be the ESC [4]. Small but fine events are planned in the mountains of Innsbruck, and all events during the ESC can be reached on foot in 15 minutes [4]. The regional economy of Innsbruck would benefit greatly from hosting the ESC, which was attended by around 500,000 people in Basel last May [4].
The final is scheduled for May 16 or 23, 2026 [4]. Both cities present strong cases: Vienna with experience and infrastructure, Innsbruck with alpine charm and potential for a fresh approach [1][2][3][4].
Stay tuned for the official announcement by ORF around August 20, 2025, which will reveal whether Vienna or Innsbruck will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
[1] Vienna Chamber of Commerce confident about Eurovision 2026 [2] Innsbruck enters bidding process for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 [3] ORF to decide between Innsbruck and Vienna for Eurovision 2026 [4] Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Vienna or Innsbruck? A decision is expected in August 2025.
Fans of entertainment may anticipate an exciting alpine atmosphere for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Innsbruck secures the competition, complementing the music and sports events the city has previously hosted. Vienna, with its proven track record as a host city for the Eurovision Song Contest, promises a vibrant city setting, ensuring enjoyment for both music and sports enthusiasts.
