Graz Decides on Bid for Eurovision Song Contest 2026

After a round table on Monday evening at Graz City Hall, it is now clear that the costs the city would have to bear for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 are likely to be "closer to 30 than 20 million euros." Graz cannot cover this alone, that much is certain, confirmed the office of Mayor Elke Kahr (KPÖ) on Tuesday, corresponding to media reports.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Decision on Graz's Bid Likely to Be Made on Friday

Compared to the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2015, for which Graz applied but was ultimately held in Vienna, the requirements for 2026 are significantly higher, explained Mayor's spokesperson Georg Fuchs to the APA. At that time, costs were estimated at around 20 million euros. This would not be sufficient this time. However, this is not due to the hall infrastructure, as it is relatively inexpensive to bring it up to the required standard - rather, it is new requirements and costs that have been added.

A decision on whether Graz will apply is expected to be made on Friday. Until then, the city wants to hold further talks with the state and especially the federal government about cost-sharing. Additionally, sponsorship opportunities are also to be explored. Potential ESC host cities for 2026 must submit their detailed documents by July 4 at the latest if they wish to have the honor of representing Austria on the international media stage next year. The decision on the venue is expected to be made by August 8. The final of the largest music competition will likely take place on either May 16 or 23, 2026.

(APA/Red)

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