Preparing Bid for ESC 2026: Innsbruck Seeks Guidance in Basel
Taking a casual stroll around the Innsbruck Olympic Hall, Matthias Schipflinger, the CEO of Olympiaworld, appears cool as a cucumber. He's spearheading the efforts to secure Innsbruck as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in 2026, and he proudly showcases the multi-purpose venue that can house over 10,000 visitors.
The ESC is no joke, as Schipflinger points out, comparing its scale to that of the European Football Championship. He's no stranger to this grandeur, having been part of Innsbruck's team during the European Football Championship in 2008.
With a dozen working groups in tow, Schipflinger aims to create a concept that'll leave the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), the event's organizer, swooning. The task is close to completion, he says, with only a week's work left. But before that, Schipflinger along with the mayor will jet off to Basel for a sneak peek at their successful 2025 ESC hosting.
The ESC in Basel set spectators back around 64 million euros. Schipflinger reckons costs for Innsbruck will hover around 40 million euros, a figure he deems reasonable. Sharing these costs will be the responsibility of the host city and ORF.
Money, money, money, politics should take care of it, Schipflinger nonchalantly remarks. Olympiaworld, his baby, is owned by the city and Tyrol province, implying they'll cover the costs if needed. However, the rental fees still remain a point of consideration.
Innsbruck might be the underdog compared to Vienna, but Schipflinger doesn't bat an eye. He's confident they can present a competitive offer that'll make ORF reconsider. And if it comes down to Innsbruck and Vienna, Schipflinger thinks it'll be a coin toss. "Innsbruck is different," he smiles, hinting at the city's unique charm.
Deadline for bid submissions is on July 4, and the winning city will be announced on August 8. Fingers crossed for Innsbruck!
Schipflinger, with his confidence high, notes that the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) holds a scale similar to the European Football Championship, given his experience with the latter during Innsbruck's hosting in 2008. He further expresses that the cost of hosting the ESC in Basel was approximately 64 million euros, whereas Innsbruck aims to keep it around 40 million euros.
