We know you’re all dying to know where Eurovision 2016 will take place, but the potential host cities are still working on their bids and SVT is busy pouring over the tempting offers. Like hosting the contest in the igloo community of Örnsköldsvik. Just kidding. Many of you have been really positive about Gothenburg‘s potential selection and its Scandinavium Arena. So let’s take a closer look at the 44-year old venue.
Built in 1971, the Scandinavium was the largest indoor arena in the Nordics at the time. The building‘s most distinct feature is its roof, which conforms nearly perfectly to a hyperbolic paraboloid. With a capacity of 14,000 spectators, it’s hosted a range of events from figure skating championships to ice-hockey matches to the Melodfiestivalen semi-finals to concerts by Iron Maiden and Whitney Houston. The annual Göteborg Horse Show also takes place there. Can you hear them hooving about Eurovision 2016? We can.
Stefan Gadd, head of press at Göteborg & Co, tells Expressen that it would be a dream come true if the contest takes place in Gothenburg: “Imagine the whole of Europe and Australia watching us…it will be a huge commercial for our city.”
So it’s only natural that Gothenburg’s bid has the support of local millionaires. In terms of investors, Percy Nilsson is offering 18.1 million Swedish krona, while two other Swedes are ready to reach into their very deep pockets. Must be funny – in a rich man’s world!
The second largest city in Sweden seems optimistic and it has the right to: the money on offer is enough to renovate the Scandinavium, which may be needed before Eurovision according to Nils Wibergor, CEO of Priority Finance.
They could even build a roof above Ullevi, the city’s multi-purpose football stadium, and temporarily transform it into an indoor arena for Eurovision. But this is needless talk, y’all: The project has already been rejected.
Which takes us back to the Scandinavium — Gothenburg’s timeless arena. Check out these construction photos from back in the day.
What do you think? Do you prefer Tele2 Arena in Stockholm or the Scandinavium in Gothenburg?
Darren: I would check my facts considering Gothenburg’s abilities to host Eurovision. First of all, Gothenburg has an international airport, Landvetter, with many European destinations (and its seaport is indeed the biggest and most important in the Nordic countries). Gothenburg hosts quite a few large international conventions and sports events annually, as well as big concerts with world artists, the hotel capacity is excellent and one great point is that all the arenas and facilities are conveniently situated in the city centre. This is an important aspect in creating a Eurovision atmosphere in the whole town, not just in an… Read more »
Go Gothenburg!!!!! And I agree with Mario about Helena Paparizou…..
I think Stockholm is a wiser choice but I’ve got a feeling we’ll be going somewhere else…
I hope Globen is chosen again
Our Helena Paparizou that was born & raised in Gotenburg hosting as the hostess next year’s Vision in her hometown would be lovely! <3
stockholm tele2 only please .. i will be going and dont want to be dissapointed
I don’t really know. If they go for a concept like 2013 it will be Göteborg. But if SVT wants a big show I think they will go for Stockholm. Or perhaps something really new, a city that has never hosted the Eurovison. I’m very curious!
I’d prefer Stockholm <3
I think Malmo did a superb job of hosting. So I’m good with either Gothenburg or Stockholm as Gothenburg is larger than Malmo.
As to the size, I think keep it to about 12K people – that makes for a better experience and for better TV. If it’s a lot larger yes more people can go, but many will need binoculars to see the stage.
Gothenburg looks like a beautiful city, but realistically, I think The Ericsson Globen or the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm would be better choices. Stockholm is the capital and largest city in Sweden and one of the biggest cities in the Nordic Countries. It hosts museums, palaces, excellent shopping and cultural experiences. Stockholm is also connected to more international destinations through Arlanda International and its seaport. Gothenburg is only really easily reachable from Norway and Denmark. It would be cheaper for SVT and the guests if the contest was in Stockholm. It annoys me when small countries have small and lesser… Read more »
Gothenburg is like the best city ever.
Stockholm, Stockholm, Stockholm, Stockholm, Stockholm, Stockholm, Stockhooooooooooooolm!!!
Don’t forget that Scandinavium also hosted the Eurovision in 1985! I think we’re going to Göteborg next spring, but I’m prepared for a shock (looking at you, Örnsköldsvik).
I would go for Tele2. They went for small last time, so now it is time to do something big. Because for a country with the biggest preselection, they can’t have the smallest eurovision.
Tele2 arena is so so much better !!
but i am sure svt picks scandinavium, because they want to “downsize” (ruin) the contest in smaller arenas.
I wouldn’t mind if Gothenburg is the host city….But I preder Tele2Arena in Stockholm!!:)
@ Really Fatima?
Oh…Then only 4 this reason alone Ghotenburg should be the winner city that will host the EuroVision next year <3
I would not mind at all if Scandinavium wins the bid..
Yes please!
GO THE N BURG!
I was there for the European Indoor Athletics in 2013. Nearby is the place where in 1970 Abba (as Festfolket) played their ever first gig.