Featured Image: Vugarİbadov, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will take place in St. Jakobshalle, Basel on May 17.
Basel was selected by host broadcaster SRG SSR and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to host the 69th edition of the competition.
The selection process saw a number of potential host cities narrowed down to Basel and Geneva, before Switzerland’s third-most-populous city was chosen. The bid process examined facilities at the venue, local infrastructure and the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists, as well as further criteria.
St. Jakobshalle will also host the semi-finals will on May 13 and 15. Tickets will go on sale later this year.
Basel’s selection means that the Eurovision Song Contest has not been hosted by a capital city for the sixth time in a row.
The host country is traditionally the winner of the previous year’s competition, but there are occasions when this has not been possible. For example in 2023, the UK city of Liverpool hosted in place of victors Ukraine which was involved – and still is – in a conflict with Russia.
The Swedish city of Malmö hosted this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“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,” commented Martin Österdahl, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.
“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.”
St. Jakobshalle has space of up to 20,000 square-metres and is traditionally used for indoors sports and concert events. It was opened in 1976 and now has a capacity of 12,400.
Österdahl added: “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.”
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