Application for the song Contest in Austria begins – Diepresse.com
Vienna, Innsbruck and Graz had registered interest in carrying out the song contest. Internal motto of the ORF for the competition: « Sparingly, but spectacular! »
Where is the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 held in Austria? The answer to this question is now a bit closer, because the application process by the ORF was officially started. One of the minimum requirements is that the hall is available exclusively for at least seven weeks before and one week after the final and can hold around 10,000 people. In addition to the federal capital of Vienna, Innsbruck or Graz had also positioned themselves. In any case, Roland Weißmann now motivated potential host cities with a reference to the detour tap and announced the motto of the frame to the « Kurier », which was given in the house: « Spectacular but spectacular! »
« The ORF carries out a transparent, rapid and fair selection process with a lawyer accompaniment » is promised in the Neunsty’s expression of interest, which under https://der.orf.at/esc2026 can be downloaded. If the completed form is submitted (General Directorate@ORF.obstacleat), interested venues receive the detailed tender documents, whereby value is placed on the highest level of confidentiality – both on the part of the interested parties and on the part of the ORF.
Decision until August 8th
In any case, potential ESC hostcities 2026 must submit their detailed documents by July 4 at the latest if they want to have the honor of representing Austria on the international media stage next year. The decision about the venue should be determined according to Ö1 to August 8. According to the expression of interests, it is now clear when the finale of the largest music competition will take place – either on May 16 or 23, 2026.
Otherwise there is still a lot of secret about the detailed requirements for a song contest city of the coming year. « The framework conditions such as the size and availability of the hall, the accessibility of the Host City and the necessary capacities to accommodate the delegations, the employees: Interior and visitors are absolutely comparable to 2015, » said Weißmann.
The criteria of 2015
At that time, one of the most important criteria was that the event facility is covered, sound, light-contained and air-conditioned and has a minimum dream height of around 15 meters. In addition, a “green room” for approx. 300 people (artists and delegations) had to be accommodated either in the hall or in its immediate vicinity. In addition, additional areas the size of around 6000 square meters for the backstage area (catering, cloakrooms, make -up rooms, viewing room, commentator cabins) were asked, around 4,000 square meters for the press center for the more than 1000 expected journalists, as well as space for an accreditation center. Conversely, the criteria are also emerging, where the major musical event cannot take place. (APA)
