"Together on Top": Innsbruck applies for Eurovision Song Contest 2026

"Together on Top" thus crosses swords with "Europe, shall we dance?", the applicant motto of the federal capital Vienna. The latter had already sent its detailed application documents for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 to ORF on Thursday, while Innsbruck submitted theirs on the last possible day of the corresponding deadline.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Innsbruck as "cosmopolitan cultural city in the heart of the Alps"

The application stands for "openness, diversity, and a special togetherness," said Mayor Johannes Anzengruber (JA - Now Innsbruck) and added: "At the same time, it was important for us to present a concept that is feasible and affordable and stands on solid ground." Economic Councillor Mario Gerber (ÖVP) stated that they want to host a Song Contest as an "international business card from Tyrol for all of Europe."

As a "cosmopolitan cultural city in the heart of the Alps," they want to reach new heights - "urban, yet manageable, modern, yet traditional, international, yet very approachable," was promoted with a "both-and" approach. At the same time, the image of the "only residential city in the Alps, combined with a historic backdrop, modern spirit, and youthful energy" was drawn. And that's not all: they also boast the highest skyline in Europe, historical sites, and contemporary architecture.

Innsbruck promotes its Eurovision Song Contest 2026 bid with short distances

There are no long travel times in Innsbruck, they made small, targeted jabs. Instead: "Short distances instead of big city traffic." The event location Olympiahalle, including existing sports and event venues like the Tivoli Stadium and the Small Ice Hall, is only a 15-minute walk from the city center. The "Eurovision Village" will be created at Landestheaterplatz - right next to the old town. In short: The whole city will become a stage.

Welcoming guests is practically everyday life. The slogan "Tyrol is Austria's number 1 tourism state" was also thrown into the decision-making scales. They are also "perfectly connected by rail, road, and airport." Munich, Zurich, Milan: all major metropolises are quickly accessible. And the Olympiahalle is practically "ready" now and impresses in every respect.

Bid for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with reference to the Olympics

The Innsbruck applicants also did not forget to point out the two-time hosting of the Winter Olympics - 1964 and 1976. Next year, 70 years of the Song Contest will meet "50 years of the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck" - memories were evoked of that event, which became a national memory mainly because of Franz Klammer's gold downhill run on the Patscherkofel.

Culturally, they have not held back so far: "Whether at the Bridge Beat Festival, Heart of Noise, the Innsbruck Promenade Concerts, the Easter Festival, the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music, at Classic on the Mountain or the Bogenfest, which recently attracted 40,000 visitors." In 25 minutes, you can go from the city center to the Seegrube, located at around 2,000 meters above sea level - there awaits a "stage on all levels." "Zaha Hadid meets Black Men, Alm meets Avant-garde, ESC meets Innsbruck," they used flowery expressions.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: No concrete figures from Innsbruck on the budget yet

Concrete figures on the budget are still missing for the time being. This point seems to have been contested until the end. Recently, the "Tiroler Tageszeitung" mentioned a cost forecast of 19.47 million euros or a budget-effective amount of around 17 million euros. This was not confirmed. The "ESC fever" among the political decision-makers spread to varying degrees until the end. While the fever curve was at its peak, especially for city chief Anzengruber, it was far less heated in the provincial government. Governor and Finance Officer Anton Mattle (ÖVP) made it clear that aside from providing the infrastructure, "no financial resources will be provided by the state."

Lower Austria not entering the race for Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Thus, everything now seems to be heading towards an epic duel between Innsbruck and Vienna. Lower Austria is definitely not entering the ESC race. The extensive criteria would hardly make hosting possible with the existing event infrastructure in the state, according to a statement sent to APA from the provincial government in St. Pölten. And "in times of tight budgets, there is probably little understanding among the population for building a dedicated Song Contest hall for this one-time event," it was added.

The Styrian capital Graz also withdrew from the race due to the expected costs, and the Upper Austrian double bid from Linz/Wels, which started with verve, remained wishful thinking in light of the necessary technical adaptations. Even the Burgenland metropolis Oberwart, despite initially pushing interest with aplomb, ultimately did not submit an application.

ORF decides on Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Now, the ORF must decide, which does not wish to comment on the ongoing application process. The decision on the venue is expected to be made by mid-August. The cities are obliged to a comprehensive confidentiality catalog. The final of the largest music competition will take place either on May 16 or 23, 2026.

(APA/Red)

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