Vienna set to stage Eurovision Song Contest 2026 at Wiener Stadthalle
Vienna Secures Hosting Rights for Eurovision Song Contest 2026
After an extensive selection process, Vienna has been chosen as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, beating the city of Innsbruck. The decision was made by the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), who cited Vienna's infrastructure, logistics, and economic potential as key factors.
The Wiener Stadthalle, with a capacity exceeding 16,000, will play host to the grand event. The Stadthalle has a proven track record, having successfully hosted the contest during the 2015 edition. Its suitability for a complex live broadcast event of this scale is undeniable.
In addition to the main contest, Vienna will also host a series of public programming. This includes fan villages, concerts, and cultural showcases, ensuring a vibrant and engaging experience for all.
The choice of Vienna as the host city was a unanimous decision. The city's ample hotel capacity and excellent transport connectivity played a decisive role in ORF's decision. Vienna's international profile and established facilities tipped the balance in its favour.
For JJ, the winner of Eurovision 2023 with the song Wasted Love, it will be a homecoming moment as the contest is held in Vienna. JJ, who also performs at the Vienna State Opera, will undoubtedly be a popular choice to perform during the contest.
Vienna's mayor, Michael Ludwig, expressed delight at the decision and emphasised the city's pride in welcoming the contest back. The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place on Saturday 16 May, with the semi-finals scheduled for Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 14 May.
These events are expected to be free of charge, ensuring wider access to the festivities. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will mark the 70th anniversary of the competition, which has grown from a small broadcasting experiment into a global cultural phenomenon, watched by an audience of more than 160 million annually.
Since its inception in 1956, the competition has seen a series of Austrian winners, with JJ being the latest addition to this prestigious list. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is set to be an exciting and memorable event, and Vienna is ready to welcome the world.
