This morning, SVT revealed Stockholm as the Host City for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. The capital city’s Globe Arena will stage the contest for the second time in its history. The Semi-Finals will be held on 10 and 12 May, the Grand Final on 14 May 2016, according to Eurovision’s official website.
The process of finding a Host City for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest began directly after Måns Zelmerlöw’s victory in Vienna just over a month ago. “Stockholm has delivered a thorough offer which guarantees that the event once again is taken to the next level, says Martin Österdahl, Executive Producer for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of SVT. Österdahl also lead the production of the 2013 contest in Malmö, Sweden.
“Stockholm is music. Our city seethes with activity revolving music. Creativity is close to our hearts and is something that we want to emphasise and be noticed even more clearly in the city,” says Karin Wanngård, Mayor of Stockholm. “To be the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest gives us the opportunity to reinforce and stimulate the involvement which the music creates for people in Stockholm and all that will travel here to take part of the Swedish musical wonder,” the proud Mayor added.
The Globe Arena, which was completed in 1989, already hosted the Eurovision Song Contest before, back in 2000. The venue’s regular capacity is between 14,000 and 16,000 spectators, set design and camera plans will determine the final seating capacity for the three live shows.
The surrounding buildings of the Globe Arena complex will also be used. A press centre for more than 1,500 journalists will be located at the Hovet venue, delegations will house in Annex. “The crowning glory is that we can do the Eurovision Song Contest even more powerful during the Grand Final by incorporating the Tele2 Arena in the event,” said Österdahl.