Buckle up, music enthusiasts! Get ready for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025 right in your backyard, Baden-Württemberg! You won't have to travel far to join the excitement in the charming city of Basel with the announcement that it will host the event next year. Switzerland, after their victory this year with Nemo and "The Code," will have the honor of hosting the ESC in 2025.
The city of Basel has been chosen as the venue for the ESC, dropping jaws over Geneva and even Zurich, which previously withdrew from the bidding process. With the title "Crossing Borders," Basel has captured the attention of the organizers. Even neighboring Lörrach in Germany makes an appearance in the promotional video.
Organizers have shared crucial dates for your calendars: the semi-finals will take place on May 13th and 15th, 2025, while the grand finale, where Germany, being part of the "Big Five" nations, automatically qualifies, is set for May 17th, 2025.
In the announcement video, Nemo's triumphant moments in Malmo, stunning views of the Swiss Alps, and captivating shots of Basel blend together. This beautiful hillside city, nestled alongside the Rhine and straddling the German-Swiss border, welcomes the world.
The St. Jakobshalle, seating up to 12,000 spectators, will serve as the host. Plans also include a public viewing event at the adjacent football stadium, a local band stage on the Barfüsserplatz, and a transformation of Steinenvorstadt entertainment strip into a "Eurovision Street."
Ah, but it doesn't end there! Switzerland will host the ESC for the third time, with the first contest taking place in Lugano in 1956 and another in Lausanne in 1989. This time, they're really pulling out all the stops!
Fun Facts
- Tickets Sold: The first batch of tickets sold off in just 20 minutes, with 250,000 eager devices waiting in the wings[1][3].
- Maximizing Spectators: Organizers are still finalizing the arena layout, aiming to maximize seating capacity and push the stadium's walls[1][3].
- Inspiring Stage Design: Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes and linguistic diversity inspire the stage design, with yodeling, a Basel drum corps, dulcimers, and alphorns prominently featured[1][3].
- Media Accreditation: Media accreditation is available with specific deadlines for applications. The Media Centre in Basel will offer facilities for journalists, including desks, live show screens, fast Wi-Fi, and interview rooms[2].
- Pre-Event Festivities: Basel is planning a major program of events from May 10th to May 17th, celebrating Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Highlights include the Arena Plus event at St. Jakob-Park, the Eurovision Village at Messe Basel, the EuroClub for nightlife, and Barfüsserplatz to showcase local talent[4].
- Unexpected Surprises: The organizers promise that the 2025 edition will be filled with surprises, such as potential appearances by megastars like Celine Dion[1][3].
These initiatives aim to create an unforgettable experience, showcasing Switzerland's vibrant culture and music scene to the world.
Insights
- The official theme of Eurovision 2025 is "Unity Shapes Love," emphasizing the idea of understanding and connection through music.
- The Eurovision stage will be highly interactive, with the ability to change its shape in real time. The main theme of the stage is the Swiss Alps and the country’s multilingualism.
- The Eurovision Village, EuroClub & Café, Eurovision Square, and Eurovision Street & Boulevard will offer visitors an immersive experience, celebrating cultural diversity and embodying the spirit of “Crossing Borders.”
- The St. Jakob-Park football stadium will host a live broadcast of the final on giant screens with an exclusive pre-show featuring national and international artists.
