Eurovision 2020: One more out….The Hague withdraws from the host city race
Following Leeuwarden’s withdrawal from the 2020 Eurovision host city race , The Hague is the next candidate city to drop out of the race. After this development the bidding race goes on with 7 remaining cities.
The problem was there from the beginning, as the venue the city proposed to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 , the ADO Stadium (Cars Jeans Stadium) lacked a roof , failing to meet EBU’s requirements which predict an arena with a closed roof. Although the stadium was completed in 2007 and has a capacity of 15.000 spectators and is located on the southeast side of the city, 6 km away with easy to access by train or bus, the lack of roof was vital element for hosting the Eurovision events.
Failing to meet this important requirement there was no other option for the city, as it would not be feasible to build a new roof as it would need to much time and costs to be in time ready.
The Hague fully supports Rotterdam
The Hague will now fully support Rotterdam’s candidacy. The city is located quiet close to Rotterdam which plans to host the contest at the Rotterdam Ahoy. Under this circumstances The Hague could see some benefits such as full hotel rooms and fun side events.The Municipality of Rotterdam says it is happy with Rotterdam’s support.
The Hague’s city councilor Mr. Richard de Mos referred to the withdrawal and the support to Rotterdam through his official Twitter account:
The Hague supports Rotterdam with the #Eurovision Bidbook. No suitable location; that is why we are are bringing the Eurovision Song Contest as a region and allowing The Hague to benefit from it with full hotel rooms and fun side events.
Den Haag steunt Rotterdam met Bidbook #Songfestival. Geen passende locatie; daarom als regio het Songfestival binnenhalen en Den Haag daarvan laten profiteren met volle hotelkamers en leuke side-events. @rotterdamahoy @zuid_holland https://t.co/3erQgUWlPi
— Richard de Mos 🔰 (@RicharddeMos) 27 Ιουνίου 2019
Additionally the councilor stated to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf:
This week I called Rotterdam’s Councilor Said Kasmi. Together we will look at how we can help Rotterdam win the bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest and how The Hague can benefit from it with full hotel rooms and fun side events. Fortunately we also have the support of the South Holland province.
On the other hand Rotterdam’s officials express their satisfaction on the latest development. Rotterdam’s City Councilor, Mr. Said Kasmi commeted to De Telegraaf:
We are very happy with the support!
Although The Hague hosted twice the competition in 1976 ans 1980 at the Congresgebouw (today aka World Forum) but the venue is not suitable anymore for a contest that has grown so much, including an average of 40 participating countries and 2 weeks of rehearsals and three live shows.
The 2020 Eurovision Host City Bid Race
The 2020 Eurovision Host city race saw a total of nine cities apply to host the next Eurovision Song Contest. Leuwaarden decided to drop out of the race followed by The Hague today leaving seven candidate cities left in the process:
- Amsterdam
- Rotterdam
- Arnhem
- Maastricht
- Utrecht
- Breda
- Den Bosch
The cities have 4 weeks to prepare their proposal and the candidacy file that will support them. Through their documents they must have answers and solutions to issues that have to do with the location where the event will be hosted, the facilities for the side events, the accommodation , infrastructure and technical issues and transportation means and accessibility as well’ The candidate cities have time up to Wednesday , July 10 to submit their files and proposals. However up to this date any other city or region that is interested in hosting the next Eurovision Song Contest can submit its file-application. All files will be handed to the three Dutch broadcasters that NPO, AVROTROS and NOS in order to review all proposals. The final decision on which city will host the next Eurovision Song Contest will be revealed in August.
