Austria 2015: ORF releases new dates and venue requirements

It’s only been three weeks since the grand final of Eurovision 2014, but ORF is already gearing up for Eurovision 2015. After announcing the core team, the national broadcaster of Austria has published requirements as regards the 60th annual Eurovision Song Contest. Here are the significant points:

POTENTIAL EUROVISION DATES

• The venue must be available for 6 to 7 weeks before the contest and one week after the end of it
• The preferred date for the grand final is 23 May 2015. (They are open to the final taking place on May 9, 16 or 30 as well)
• In the week leading up to the grand final, the venue must not host any other activities
• The venue must be available for one day in both January and March, in order to organise a guided tour
• The venue will be open for public for the five days leading to the grand final

EUROVISION VENUE REQUIREMENTS

• The venue must not be an open-air location, it must be air-conditioned and it must be sound/light insulated
• Minimum capacity: 10,000 spectators (standing and/or seating area). This requirement seems to rule out the chances for Oberwart and Vorarlberg, two potential host cities
• Minimum ceiling height: 15 meters
• The Green Room must be in the arena or near it. It must have a capacity of 300 people
• A 6,000 m2 room must be provided for 2 catering stands, viewing room, make-up rooms, wardrobe, booths for around 50 commentators and separate offices
• A 4,000 m2 space for the press centre. It must have a capacity for at least 1,500 journalists, and be open from the 11th till the 24th of May 2015