Rotterdam to host Eurovision 2021

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Dutch broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS have just announced that Rotterdam will host Eurovision Song Contest 2021. The arena will be Rotterdam Ahoy Arena.

The dates for Eurovision Contest 2021 have not been announced yet.

Following the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, the EBU, NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam entered constructive discussions on the possibilities of staging the 65th edition of the world’s largest live music event in Rotterdam.

Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s new Executive Supervisor, says:

– We are extremely happy that we can now move forward. It’s vitally important that the Eurovision Song Contest returns next year, and we’re pleased to have the necessary commitment from our Members in the Netherlands to bring this much-loved show back to audiences across the world.

– I firmly believe that all of us involved in the Eurovision Song Contest will stand united through challenges and change to bring the Contest back stronger than ever, ensuring its longevity for decades to come.

COVID-19 and Eurovision Song Contest 2021

The organizers are aware that the developments surrounding the coronavirus will affect events in the coming year. These developments cannot be predicted in the long term. That is why, in the coming months, all parties involved will be working on different scenarios to meet that challenge.

The European Broadcasting Union, EBU, states:

– Of course, the health of participants, employees and visitors will always be paramount. The EBU, together with its Dutch Members NPO, NOS and AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam, will work in close collaboration over the coming weeks and months with the Dutch health authorities mapping out the impact of COVID-19 on next year’s event. It is our intention to ensure the 2021 Contest can take place in circumstances that protect the health and safety of everyone attending the event.

COVID-19 alternative Eurovision plan

If the event cannot take place in Rotterdam because of COVID-19 is there an alternative plan?

EBU states:

– It was with great regret that we had to cancel the Eurovision Song Contest in 2020.

– In an ever-changing and challenging environment, the EBU and its Members are more than aware of the difficulties of planning a complicated global broadcast with many international stakeholders 12 months from now.

– The EBU will, therefore, work with its Members and the host broadcasters of 2021 to ensure the continuity of the event in a number of different scenarios.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands with 630,000 inhabitants, placed in short distance from Den Haag and Amsterdam.

Vice-mayor of Rotterdam, Said Kasmi (education, culture and tourism), says:

– Rotterdam is the most international city in the Netherlands and a beautiful location for the 65th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. An experienced city hosting top events, but even more important: everyone here is ready to turn the Eurovision Song Contest into a great party where everybody is welcome.

In Rotterdam's bid books, the organisation revealed that they are ready to invest approximately 15 million euros into the show's production. The amount was approved in an official reunion and there was even a suggestion to develop a crowdfunding activity to guarantee the cover of the remaining costs of hosting such an event.

Rotterdam Ahoy Arena

Rotterdam Ahoy consists of three halls with the largest being with a capacity of 15,000, which meets all the conditions set by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Two smaller halls in the complex have a capacity of 6,000 and 4,000, Perfect for delegations and press centre.

Director of Rotterdam Ahoy, Jolanda Jansen, says:

– In our almost fifty years of existence, Rotterdam Ahoy hosted many wonderful, international events. We are convinced that Ahoy and the Eurovision Song Contest are a perfect fit.

Rotterdam Ahoy hosted Junior Eurovision 2007.