As a surprise twist front runner favorite Zurich is out of the race to host Eurovision song contest 2025 and the Swiss team with Ebu announced that Basel and Geneva are the top two bids and of them will get the honor to host the contest in May 2025.
Basel is apparently aiming on St.Jakobshalle that could have been also called Roger Federer Arena to honor the local tennis player but the local council vote blocked that idea. Built in 1976 and completely renovated between 2016-18 adding fro its original 9.000 capacity to 12.400. The complex also has five smaller halls that would nice serve as press center, delegation lounge and all that extra needed for the show under same roof.
The arena has been used mainly for tennis, handball, ice hockey, curling and of course concerts, including Bob Dylan leaving him with life changing experience.
Basel itself is Switzerland's third biggest city by river Rhine with its approx 178.000 inhabitants (541.000 in greater Basel). In multi lingual Switzerland it is German speaking area and commonly considered the cultural capital of Switzerland. Basel has the world's very first open to public art museum, Kunstmuseum since 1661! Its university is founded in 1460. Basel joined the Swiss Confederation in 1501. Being in the border of both France and Germany its suburbs go beyond country borders and is an important train link in Europe. I can't remember how many times I passed by Basel on my 13 Interrails back in the days!
Geneva is bidding with Palexpo. It is a successor to the old Palais desExpositions built in 1926. The current arena was inaugurated in 1981, then extended in 1987, 1995 and 2003. It all went through a major face lift in 2009. These days it houses seven different halls, the biggest one of 9.500 concert capacity.
Geneva is Switzerland's second biggest town with just over 200.000 inhabitants. It's in the French speaking part of the country. Historically the town was taken by the Roman Republic in 121 BC. It remained under the dominance of The Holy Roman Empire until late 14th century passing to the House of Savoy before it allied with the Swiss Confederation in 1541. It became Republic of Geneva before it was admitted into Confederation in 1814. Unlike many cities all around the world Geneva does not have any sister cities in the world but declares itself related to the entire world! Indeed, 48% of the population are resident foreign nationals.
Geneva is home to many international organizations starting with United Nations European head quarters. the World Trade Organisation, the World Meteorological Organisation, CERN and of course EBU.
I was kinda sure Zurich would be the one but now as it is I am kinda thinking Basel is the one.... We will know in August!
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