Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna will be "economical, but spectacular"

No detailed information was disclosed about the overall budget for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. It was only mentioned that it will be below that of this year's event in Basel, according to ORF Director General Roland Weißmann on Wednesday. Nevertheless, he emphasized: "We are frugal, but spectacular. That is the motto we have set."

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna to be cheaper than ESC 2025 in Basel

Currently, they are in the budgeting phase for 2026. A "maximum framework" has been set for the ESC, emphasized the head of the broadcaster, who, during the press conference attended by, among others, Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) and ESC Director Martin Green (EBU), did not want to name a specific figure. Other major events such as the Football World Cup and the Winter Olympics are also scheduled for the coming year, the ORF chief noted. In Switzerland, the major event cost approximately 64 million euros. "We have to tighten our belts a little, the budget will definitely be below that of Basel," Weißmann stated. It is certain that the maximum financial framework for the city of Vienna has been set at 22.6 million euros. For comparison: The city of Basel spent 37.3 million euros on the mega event this year.

Vienna's offer for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 according to ORF Chief Weißmann a "bit" better

Weißmann and Ludwig also signed the "Host City Contract" in the afternoon. Regarding the decision for the federal capital, Vienna was a "bit" better, Weißmann revealed when asked what tipped the scales in favor of the federal capital. He noted that financial support was only one of several criteria in the application process. The fact that the largest event location in the country, the Stadthalle, is available was also an important factor according to the ORF chief. "An advantage here is that the Green Room, where the artists stay, is directly connected. In Innsbruck, it was a bit further away." For logistical support, additional infrastructure would have had to be built in Innsbruck - unlike in Vienna - with financial participation from the ORF, the Director General also pointed out.

Work on stage design and show schedule for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 starting in September

What exactly will happen inside the large hall is now being developed. The stage design and the schedule of the show will be addressed starting in September, reported ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz and the ESC Executive Producer of ORF, Michael Krön. "We are certainly not doing the same as in 2015," Groiss-Horowitz assured, but still promised a "charming, professional, Austrian show," after which they hope for a "Wow, that was awesome" from the public.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Rathaus(platz) Next to Stadthalle Central Venue

Other important venues are already fixed: Besides the venue Stadthalle, the Rathaus will serve as the main hub, as announced. According to Mayor Ludwig, the "Eurovision Village" will be set up at Rathausplatz, as it was in 2015. In 2015, concerts by participating artists took place there, among other events. There were also live broadcasts of the semi-final rounds and the final.

In the Rathaus itself, the opening ceremony will take place, among other events. Unlike in 2015, the "Euro Club" will also be set up in the Rathaus. The hub for fan clubs, delegations, or media was housed in the Ottakringer Brewery ten years ago. Further details about the supporting program and the offerings surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be specified in the coming weeks and months. However, Ludwig reaffirmed that there will also be free offerings for ESC fans in the supporting program.

ESC Director Green praised Vienna as perhaps the greatest music city in the world. He emphasized that the Song Contest is not just an event on Saturday evening but consists of many shows. The added value is certainly high, he assured. This has also been shown in the other host cities recently. "The whole world will be watching Vienna," predicted Green.

Vienna to Host Eurovision Song Contest for the Third Time

Vienna will be the host city for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, which ORF will organize in 2026 following JJ's triumph at the music competition in Basel this year. This means the federal capital prevailed over the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck, as the broadcaster announced early Wednesday. Vienna will thus be the ESC host city for the third time, after 1967 and 2015. The final will take place on May 16, 2026, in the Stadthalle.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.