Two weeks ago Georgia’s Public Broadcaster (GPB) announced that it would stage the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Tbilisi’s Olympic Palace.

So on Sunday our Georgian contributor Rezo Mamsikashvili hopped in his car and headed to the arena to film a quick two-minute overview.

Escorted by the lovely Gvanca Bakhtadze, marketing and public relations manager of the arena, we discovered a contemporary venue that’s large enough to create a buzz, but intimate enough to ensure everyone inside has a stellar view of the action.

It’s going to be a cauldron of energy during JESC 2017 — and we can’t wait!

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Built in 2015, the Olympic Palace previously hosted the European Youth Olympic Festival. More than 2,000 athletes — across volleyball, handball, judo and more — representing 50 countries attended that event. Built to a modern standard with two halls, it has also hosted tournaments with a variety of other sports including basketball. So organisers will no doubt be able to handle the kids of JESC.

The larger hall, which will be used for Junior Eurovision, can welcome 4,000 guests. The smaller hall can accommodate around 600 guests.

The press conference room and press room will be on-site. The Palace includes a conference room, which can hold between 100 and 120 guests, and a media room for 80 to 100 journalists.

There’s also a VIP Lounge which can accommodate 150 guests and a café where you can re-charge in between interviews and rehearsals.

You can check out some photos below. Just click to enlarge. Thanks to the administrative team at the Olympic Palace for sharing them.

Photos: The Olympic Palace, Tbilisi

What do you think of Tbilisi’s Olympic Palace? Does it look like a promising spot for Junior Eurovision? Let us know in the comments box below.

READ MORE GEORGIA EUROVISION NEWS

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NodikoGEO
NodikoGEO
6 years ago

Why Azerbaijan doesn’t participate? They are our neighbours.

Ronda
Ronda
6 years ago

It just sucks that we got only 16 countries participating this year. There were 17 countries in the last two years.

Sasha
Sasha
6 years ago
Reply to  Ronda

It’s 1 difference…

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

Guess what? BNT claims that they already have an idea on who should represent Bulgaria in case the country’s able to participate. As a result, Bulgaria is about to confirm participation during the beginning of September.

Ronda
Ronda
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

Wow! That’s good to know. I hope they will join the party. 🙂

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

I wonder if Georgia will be able to do a national selection this year. It’s been six (6) years since they last did a national selection. :/

tvfan
tvfan
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

It was a national selection for Georgia in 2017…

AliceL
AliceL
6 years ago

Nice video. Can’t wait for the stage design.??

Jescfan
Jescfan
6 years ago

Thank you Wiwibloggs!!!???

Drakula
Drakula
6 years ago

I’m so happy, because i will attend this year’s JESC in my country and the venue is in 10 minutes from my house. <3 So excited!

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

Great arena, not too small(2016) and not too big, it fits JESC the first idea to host in arena with 10 000 seats was a bit unreal, and I’m not sure if all the seats would even be taken, so it’s better they downsized it.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
6 years ago

This looks great, Im VERY excited for this show abd I really want to see the stage design. Im also still hoping for Bulgaria to return.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

I hope so too. They may confirm participation sometime in early September. 🙂

Brett
Brett
6 years ago

Georgia is one of the friendliest most beautiful countries in the world and I would love them to host the real Eurovision soon!

William Lee Adams
Admin
6 years ago

Thank you David! And totally agree — the venue looks promising. Sometimes a smaller venue can look huge on screen. The JESC 2012 arena was only slightly bigger, but the show still looked great.

David Anthony
David Anthony
6 years ago

Thanks Rezo and Wiwibloggs for the video update! Seeing this is getting me excited for Junior Eurovision this year and it’s fantastic to know that we’re able to follow all the news and updates and get all the info we need here on Wiwibloggs! The Olympic Palace looks like the perfect venue for Junior Eurovision – modern, able to host all the media/delegations as well as a nice size arena. I’m sure Georgia is ready to showcase their hosting and live show talent! 🙂 <3