ESC 2026: Austria in the competition of cities - who has the best chances?

ESC 2026: Austria in the competition of cities - who has the best chances?

Wien, Österreich - On May 21, 2025, Austria published the ambitious plans to align the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in 2026. In this context, the Austrian radio (ORF) has published a satirical posting that takes some of the applicant cities on the shovel. This criticism triggered mixed reactions because many fans hope for the exciting way to see the competition in their city. At an upcoming meeting, the requirements that are placed on the ORF, the Host City and the event location should be specified.

For the execution of the ESC 2015, specific requirements were defined that could also apply to the upcoming competition. This includes the exclusive availability of the location at least six weeks before the final and a capacity of at least 10,000 people. Furthermore, a minimum dream height of about 15 meters and special backstage rain for artists and journalists is necessary.

applicant cities at a glance

The most prominent cities that go into the race for the execution of the ESC 2026 are:

• Vienna : The capital has already had experience through the execution of the ESC 2015 and offers a location for up to 16,000 visitors with the town hall. Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasizes the professionalism and hospitality of Vienna.
• Innsbruck : Here the Tivoli Stadium and the Olympiaworld are proposed as possible venues. Mayor Johannes Anzengruber sees great opportunities for the Tyrolean city, the Olympiaworld has space for up to 12,000 people.
• Graz : The city hall on the exhibition center is brought into play as a venue for up to 14,500 people. Mayor Elke Kahr emphasizes the need for a consensus for the application.
• Premstätten : The Davis Cup hall with a capacity of 18,000 standing room could be an interesting option. Operator Klaus Leutgeb is planning a large public viewing and working with the Graz trade fair.
• Wels and Linz : These two cities are planning a joint application, supported by the Landespitze. Wels thinks about the construction of a new exhibition hall for up to 5,700 visitors.
• Oberwart : Mayor Georg Rosner sees the prerequisites for the edition in the Burgenland Hall, which is designed for 6,000 people.
• Lower Austria : Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner brings Vienna Airport as a possible location, while St. Pölten also works on an application, but with limited capacities.

Some applications were withdrawn. The Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt and the city of Salzburg have discontinued their candidates due to financial and infrastructural concerns.

Eurovision Song Contest: an important event

The Eurovision Song Contest has been an annual highlight in the international music calendar since its foundation in 1956 and is organized by the European Radio Union. It is considered one of the most respected competitions of the music scene and has an enormous viewer in the world. 52 countries have participated at least once, whereby Germany recorded most of the participation and Ireland and Sweden have made most of the winnings with seven title triumphs each, as reported.

The competition has developed over the years and today not only offers an impressive music format, but also cultural performances from the host country. Entry into the world of the ESC often brings an enormous thrust for the career of the participating artists. For many, the contest remains an important platform to present itself internationally and to win new fans.

It remains to be seen which city ultimately is awarded the contract for the organization of the ESC 2026. However, while the preparations are progressing, the anticipation for one of the world's greatest music events is already noticeable.