Basel Chosen to Host 2025 Eurovision Song Contest

The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Basel, a northern Swiss town. Organizers made the announcement on Friday, August 30, revealing that the 69th edition of this international singing competition will take place on May 13, 15, and 17 at Basel’s St. Jackobshalle Arena, which has a capacity of 12,000. This marks the third time Switzerland will host the event, with previous editions held in Lugano in 1956 and Lausanne in 1989.

Switzerland won the first-ever Eurovision in 1956 with Lys Assia’s “Refrain”, and again in 1988 when Celine Dion triumphed with “Ne partez pas sans moi.” Following Swiss singer Nemo’s victory last year, Basel, the country’s third-largest city, was chosen to host the upcoming event, beating out Geneva for the honor.

Nemo captivated the audience last year at Malmö Arena in Sweden with a performance centered on self-identity. The non-binary singer’s win was notable for being the first time a non-binary act won Eurovision.

The Eurovision finals are one of the most-watched TV events annually, with the 2024 contest drawing over 160 million viewers. Basel and Geneva were the final candidates for the 2025 event, chosen based on criteria such as hotel capacity, security, available venues, sustainability, transportation infrastructure, and experience with large events.

“The EBU is thrilled that Basel has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025,” said Eurovision executive supervisor Martin Österdahl. “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. 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.”

He added, “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.”

Basel, home to 177,000 residents and located on the River Rhine, is renowned for its cultural significance, housing numerous museums and featuring world-class architecture. Tickets for the nine 2025 shows, including dress rehearsals, are expected to go on sale in the coming months.

Check out the 2025 announcement below.