Cluj-Napoca to host Selectia Nationala 2018

Shortly after broadcaster TVR confirmed that Romania will participate in Eurovision 2018, the Romanian press are reporting that Cluj-Napoca, the capital of Transylvania, is likely to host Selectia Nationala 2018. The shows are to be staged in the spacious and modern Sala Polivalenta, and we also have the preliminary dates of the national selection: 19 January to 11 February.

Keeping its promise to plan ahead this time around, it seems like TVR is indeed taking Eurovision seriously for 2018. Emboldened by a top 10 finish in 2017, Romania seems keen to show that it can be a real contender for the trophy. And it’s chosen Ilinca’s hometown of Cluj-Napoca for the first step of the Eurovision 2018 journey.

You may remember the city, also known simply as Cluj, from the video for “Yodel It!”, Ilinca and Alex Florea’s song that represented Romania at Eurovision 2017 in Kyiv and finished 7th on the scoreboard.

According to local media, the city hall of Cluj-Napoca has been approached by the public broadcaster with the offer of hosting Selectia Nationala 2018. Mayor Emil Boc, who also submitted a bid in 2015, seems eager to capitalise on the success of the Eurovision brand, and has released a statement fully supporting this idea:

We think that the presence of such a prestigious event in Cluj-Napoca represents one of the most significant ways of promoting our city both at the national and international level.

Likely venue: Cluj-Napoca’s Sala Polivalenta

Details of this proposal will be discussed in the coming week, but the most likely venue for the shows has already been announced: Sala Polivalenta. The 10,000-person capacity arena, built in 2014, regularly hosts sports events and pop concerts.

Sala Polivalenta Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca’s Sala Polivalenta

According to the same source, Cluj-Napoca city hall will have to fork out 550,000 lei (approximately €120,000) in order to host the event. Similar sums were allotted for the national selection in 2015 and 2016 by the municipalities of Craiova and Baia Mare.

There is no word yet whether Selectia Nationala 2018 will include more than one show, but the National Final is scheduled for Sunday, 11 February.

What do you think? Are you excited about the prospect of Cluj-Napoca hosting Romania’s national selection? Let us know in the comments!

READ MORE ROMANIA EUROVISION NEWS HERE

 

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beccaboo1212
6 years ago

…as long as the minimum age doesn’t get raised to 18.

florin
florin
6 years ago

In Cluj will be Untold this week so yes is the best choice

Women, football and rock'n'roll
Women, football and rock'n'roll
6 years ago

Send Ovidiu with another great rock song!

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

Lol…..had he gone Greece and B&H wouldn’t have been the only countries in 2016 to have not qualified for the final for the first time.

Women, football and rock'n'roll
Women, football and rock'n'roll
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

of course he would have made it! Great hardrock song, and wonderful voice…it was real honest quality music. Greece should have qualified too…so much better than their generic, cheesy samey dancepoplatino songs

Revol Cisum
Revol Cisum
6 years ago

I can tell you, this would be the best choice for Romania. Cluj is the best city in that country (I’ve already been there last year for the Untold) and it was my greatest experience in a foreign city/country so far. Hope this is not just a rumour… Go Cluj go

Jayjay
Jayjay
6 years ago

Please burry the yodel and bring something with quality for a change

Women, football and rock'n'roll
Women, football and rock'n'roll
6 years ago
Reply to  Jayjay

they did in 2016…but had to withdraw!

The yodel was OK for me…but not great music of course

YUCKRAINE
YUCKRAINE
6 years ago

Yuckraine should’ve hosted eurovision in chernobyl or donetsk

Alex
6 years ago

I remember Romanian national final in 2016 it was so boring with bad camera shoots and songs. For 2018 national selection this venue looks good and of course city. I want from all participating countries to organize creativity national finals in high standarts.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Well I know one Alex who will be happy with this news

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

I honestly hope they serve sex and originality. Romania has such an awesome music industry and had they sent Mr. Saxobeat in 2011 they would’ve won by a landslide.

May 8, 10 and 12
May 8, 10 and 12
6 years ago

In 2017 the final was on March 5, in 2018 the final will be on February 11,I like it’s earlier, February 11 was the day when Francesco Gabbani won Sanremo, maybe it’s a lucky day.

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

I just hope that no more yodeling this year… Whising Paula will return.

ESCVIKING
ESCVIKING
6 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Wish Paula and Ovi come back and win SN2018

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Nah, hopefully we see a new face. Stop thinking of those who have had a chance and let’s discover new talents. Otherwise we wouldn’t have people like Blanche slaying out of nowhere.

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

Well agree with you as well, but still.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

Agree

People should vote for a song and not just keep making known artists win their NF!!