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 l...