Sorry Geneva. The Eurovision 2025 host city has been confirmed — and we’re going to Basel!
The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will take place on Saturday 17 May in St. Jakobshalle. The semi-finals will be held on Tuesday 13 May and Thursday 15 May.
Tickets will go on sale later this year.
Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of Basel said:
“It is a great honour for Basel to be able to host the world’s biggest live music event! We are looking forward to this fantastic opportunity to present Basel to the world as a cosmopolitan city of culture in the heart of Europe. As an open city in the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland, we overcome borders of all kinds every day. This fits in perfectly with the Eurovision Song Contest. We are already looking forward to welcoming our guests from all over Europe: welcome to Basel!”
Basel, a cultural hub situated along the border of both France and Germany, is a strong symbol of unity through music. The contest will take place inside St. Jakobshalle, which has a capacity of approximately 12,000 spectators (which would be reduced by some thousands to make space for the the Eurovision stage). Besides the arena, there are five more halls suitable for the press and other Eurovision events. Boasting an excellent transportation system, Basel is home to an international airport and EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg. And it is also just one hour away from Zurich’s airport.
Situated on the Rhine River, Basel is Switzerland’s third most populous city after Zurich and Geneva. Considered the cultural capital of the country, the city is home to 40 museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kunstmuseum – the oldest public art collection in the world. Basel is also the birthplace of tennis legend Roger Federer – could we see the Maestro make an appearance? Maybe even swapping a racquet for hosting duties?
Basel confirmed as Eurovision 2025 host city
In a glossy announcement video, Swiss producers described Basel as “a city that lives music and creativity…a city that breaks codes and where all people can feel safe and belong.
Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler, SRG SSR’s Joint Executive Producers of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, said:
“We were impressed by the quality of the cities’ applications! All 4 cities, and especially Geneva and Basel in the final round, fought for the title of “Host City” with creative approaches and a very constructive approach. Such commitment is by no means a matter of course. Our thanks therefore go to all the cities that applied. We look forward to working with you to make the ESC an unforgettable experience for the whole population.”
Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said:
“The EBU is thrilled that Basel has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The Contest was born in Switzerland in Lugano back in 1956 and it’s great to be bringing it back to its birthplace almost 70 years later.’
Basel’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe makes it the ideal setting for an event that celebrates the power of music to connect people across borders.
With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Basel reflects the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest. The city’s exceptional St.Jakobshalle venue and outstanding hospitality will ensure a memorable experience for delegations, artists and fans alike.
Following Contests in the Italian and French speaking parts of the country in 1956 and 1989 we’re also excited to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to German Switzerland for the very first time.
Together with Host Broadcaster SRG SSR and the city of Basel we will create a spectacular celebration of music on the banks of the River Rhine that resonates far beyond the stage.”
Eurovision 2025 dates
Semi-Final 1 – May 13
Semi-Final 2 – May 15
Grand final – May 17
How the Eurovision 2025 host city was selected
After a highly competitive application process between four potential bids, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation shortlisted the Basel and Geneva.
Bids by Bern/Biel, who planned to host the first Eurovision across cities, and Zurich, the odds-on favourite to host, were ruled out.
As per the selection process, any host city needs to meet certain requirements: making a substantial financial contribution to host the event, having a venue that can accommodate around 10,000 spectators, an international airport with a large number of European flight connections, an efficient transport system, and a large hotel accommodation capacity of at least 2,000 rooms. Additionally, the host city needs the infrastructure and venues to host the Press Centre, Delegation Bubble, Eurovision Village, EuroClub, and side events.
St. Jakobshalle expressed their interest to host the contest early on in a post about next year’s edition:
“Congratulations to Nemo on the well-deserved victory at the Eurovision Song Contest! The entire nation is proud. 🥳 🏆
“Switzerland, we are ready for ESC 2025! For the third time in history, our country will be the host. The St. Jakobshalle Basel is perfectly suited as the venue, with its 20,000 square meters and an arena that can accommodate 12,400 people. With its strategically advantageous location at the tri-border area and excellent public transportation connections, we are the right choice to host this event. 💫
“Nothing is decided yet, but we are ready to pull out all the stops to bring the ESC to Basel! 🎤🎼 Keep your fingers crossed for us!”
Are you excited that Basel will host Eurovision 2025? Let us know in the comments below.
