On Friday afternoon the official Eurovision Twitter account took a break from tweeting “favourite song” polls to reveal some news. The Eurovision 2019 host city hasn’t been decided. That’s despite endless reporting from Israeli media that broadcaster KAN has already suggested Tel Aviv; an interview with Jon Ola Sand saying that Shabbat must not interfere with hosting; and a statement from (the usually unbending) Culture & Sports Minister Miri Regev saying that Tel Aviv could win the race.
Writing on Twitter, the EBU said:
“Despite ongoing media speculation, no decision has yet been made by the EBU as to which city will host the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.”
“Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have both submitted extremely strong bids which meet the needs of the Contest.”
“We are examining the proposals carefully in order to choose the best overall location for next year’s event.”
“When a decision has been reached the host city will be revealed via our official channels.”
Many of you think they’re just blowing hot air and that Tel Aviv has already been decided on. The announcement could merely be a means of buying time while they wait on officials to respond to paperwork, or part of a broader campaign to appease certain politicians by making it look like Jerusalem is still in the race.
Eurovision 2019 dates
In any case, today’s announcement came just hours after Israeli media Mako reported that the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 will “probably” take place on May 25.
The report echoed what we’ve been hearing for months: that the likely venue is Pavillon 2 at the Tel Aviv International Exhibition Centre (aka, the Fairgrounds).
It went on to say that the EBU hasn’t announced the date and location because it is waiting on Prime Minister Netanyahu to respond to their earlier correspondences, which include a detailed agenda of rules and regulations, and follows an earlier letter in which they requested that the PM and other politicians avoid interfering with production and that the government must welcome visitors — whatever their political beliefs.
And all of this follows a rather confident letter sent from Tel Aviv’s mayor Ron Huldai to Eurovision boss Jon Ola Sand.
In it he re-iterated that — unlike Jerusalem — Tel Aviv doesn’t have an issue with staging rehearsals during Shabbat. He wrote:
“Tel Aviv-Yafo is a ‘Nonstop City’ of culture and leisure offering regular weekend public transportation in the form of ‘share-route’ lines of minibuses on main transport lines, serving all hotels and tourists.”
“Therefore we look forward with much anticipation to hosting the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv-Yafo.”
Obviously this letter has to be taken at face value. It’s not a confirmation that Tel Aviv is hosting, but seems like a very confident mayor pleading his case.
Time will tell. The announcement is expected in the coming days…
To those complaining that ESC 2019 will be the smallest Eurovision in years. Well, yes, it’s being hosted in the 2nd smallest host country of Eurovision ever (after Luxembourg) so it’s not THAT surprising, is it??
Yes but with almost 9 million people it’s pretty developed country
I’m sure that the EBU haven’t yet decided, they know what they’ll decide once they do decide, but they haven’t decided yet!
So when will the grand final of the Eurovision Venue Contest begin?
The venue in Tel Aviv is too small can hold only 6,500 people, the Eurovision should be in bigger arena like Jerusalem
Pavilion 2 venue simulation for Eurovision event
Sam, where did you get it? I would like to look at this more closely. I was pretty sure it can fit max 7k people and in reality, I’m afraid, it would be even less because at this point they don’t take into consideration some technical issues that they will have to deal with later. Once I spent whole day in Pavillon 2 during high-tech conference and what I remebered was: such a comfortable venue for conference and the stage was about the size of the one on the picture above.
It’s from Israeli fan in tapuz forum, if you look at first picture you see it almost accurate, the venue can’t fit more than 6,500 because the big stage, sadly It will be the smallest Eurovision since 2005
Thanks. I can’t find the exact numbers right now but I think there were about 7,5k spectators in 2005. I know officially it can fit 6k in the standings, but in ESC configuration additionally there were 2k people on the pitch. Kyiv Palats Sportu lacks permamently one standing behind the goal gate, so it was 6k + ~2k on the pitch.
You right I checked again, in 2003 ESC Riga there’s small venue 6,500 capacity just like in Tel Aviv
Yes, but remember that Riga Skonto Hall is 8000 m2. Pavillon 2 is 6740 m2. So bascially, Pavillon 2 is the smallest venue since… ESC 1999. And 8000 m2 in Riga was an overall space designed for stage and audience – I mean pitch. 6740 m2 in Pavillon is an overall space of the venue – including small conference room, lobby, cafeteria, restroom etc.
I just don’t know how EBU can approve Tel Aviv venue, it’s not make sense the Eurovision there will be emberassing, they bring back the competition dacades ago
I know this guy who posted this sketch in the forum, he’s a total troll. This sketch looks weird since there is no stage design yet, and here you can see a very specific stage design. I guess it’s a work of one of the fans. The EBU wanted 8k capacity minimum, here you see 6,5k. The EBU would rule this venue out if it was the case, the same way they already ruled out Eilat. Here’s another sketch that shows over 9k spectators.
http://img2.timg.co.il/forums/50/1280_0_81d7dcac-c69b-4d06-aaf0-afc25bafe83a.jpeg
Pretty sketch, but unrealistic in many aspects . There is whole stage infrastructure that need a lot of space. I still think that eventually it will be Jerusalem. Btw, I thought EBU required minimum 10k venue.
Then you should check your facts, it’s 8k. Besides, the backstaage area in both sketches is outside the hall (probably in a large tent attached to the venue)
So I checked it and everywhere you look it’s 10k – not 8k. It will so funny to see you all guys crying about Tel Aviv when Jerusalem gets picked. Btw, shabbat concerns Tel Aviv in many ways too. Pavillon 2 has a great location nearby University train station. So what? Everything will be shut down on Saturday until at least 9pm. Orthodox community may close eye on rehearsal during the day, but for sure they will protest opening Rakevet earlier than dusk. Don’t count on buses too. The only option is sherut as Huldai stated. Be prepared to be… Read more »
So you didn’t check very well. Page 2 https://kanweb.blob.core.windows.net/download/files/%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%98%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%9D%20%D7%A7%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%97%D7%99%D7%9D%20-%20%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%A8%20%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%97%D7%AA.pdf
Ana, but as you can read in this document, these are just KAN requirements for host city. According to EBU reules it must be minimmum 10k spectators. I can’t copy link to exact original document, but check this out. It comes from eurovision.tv, official website: https://eurovision.tv/story/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-eurovision-host-city
I’ve read it. It’s just KAN requirements. Check this out: https://eurovision.tv/story/which-city-should-host-eurovision-2019-israel
Jon Ola Sand clearly states this a host venue is required to fit minimum 10k spectators. Eventually, it’s not KAN who decides. KAN requirements were set in order to present EBU bids.
Ana, don’t bother answering to all these trolls. They are bringing false information in order to legitimise Jerusalem. The difference between the 2 venues is about 500 spectators in favour of Jerusalem. It’s not such a significant matter and certainly not a deal breaker for Jerusalem. This city hosted twice already so enough already… Let Tel Aviv host it in 2019. Lastly the EBU had enough time to take care of everything well in advance and it’s disappointing the announcement has been delayed again.
Everyone that not agree with your opinion and bringing facts is a troll.. nice I’m sure the EBU next week will agree with me that this facility in Tel Aviv can’t host the contest, see you in Jerusalem
But you are indeed trolls. Those requirements from KAN were published after members of KAN had several meetings with the EBU. Obviously they disscussed the potential venues for the show and the EBU decided to lower the demand to make more venues possible to host. And you know why? Because jerualem is their nightmare scenario.
It’s not true what you are saying here. KAN published their requirements on July 10. The video Jon Ola Sand has recorded was posted na official website on July 17. KAN lowered their own reuquirements in order to present EBU Tel Aviv bid. There is no option that Pavillon 2 in ESC configuration can fit 10k people. What they discussed was a bidding phase. As we all know, EBU requires presenting by host country at least two bids.
Aug 26, 2016 is the date when the video of Jon Ola Sand was published. The article itself may have not been accurate since its just a general information to the public. The KAN official letter contains far more specific information.
Yeah, sure. Pais Arena fits over 15k people during concerts, when a tribune behind the stage is unavailable for spectators. Besides, this venue is over 41,000 m2. How can you compare the multifunctional sport complex to a tiny conference pavillon of 6,740 m2? And you are still saying that there is just a difference of 500 spectators in favour of Jerusalem.
Dude, the hall of the pais arena is not 41000 m2 (it’s the size of 5 freaking football fields for f*ck sake). It’s the whole built area, including all the floors, rooms and even the toilets. Want to hear the funny thing? if you look at it like that, then Pavilion no 2 has more than 50000 m2 of built area. Because the building has several underground parking floors. So stop droping numbers like a little kid.
Ok. That’s my last post because it’s a little bit taxing. What I meant is that 41,000 m2 of Pais Arena can be multifunctional in the purpose of ESC. In Pavillon 2 you have 6,740 m2 of exhibition floor and you have to erect a tent in order to fit dressing rooms, props and many, many others. So where is your 50,000 m2? Only if you mean many different Pavillons in the complex, not connected with each other. Just think about commentator booths? 300-400 tons of equipment load under the ceilling? Look at random pictures of Pais Arena: You can… Read more »
No, again you’re not checking anything. Google pavilion 2 and you’ll see everywhere that it has more than 50k ”built area”. Your arena is small comparing to this. But i like how you shot yourself in a foot in this argument
I’m kind of tired of this discussion. I’ve been there once. Seemed pretty small for me. I don’t want my country to organise the biggest TV show in the world over there. After all, none will remember all the clubs and beaches in TLV, as we don’t talk about beautiful Lisbon. We remember shitty TV presenters (maybe except Filomena). Have a good week.
You’re kind of having a silly point. Here are the VMA’s broadcasted from Radio City music hall. A venie smaller in every aspect than Pavilion 2. Huge stadiums are not required for a big tv production. Relax already, You’re focusing on the wrong thing here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tPIq1SB4Dk
It’s a really beautiful hall. Uncomparable. But, yes, let’s wait and see.
And smaller that Pavilion no.2 with approximate same ceiling height. The set design, lighting and camera work will play a much bigger role that the size of the box that contain the show.
I don’t even know who to trust anymore.
Why to boycott Jerualem? If they pick Jerusalem, the contest will take place in Western Jerusalem which the rest of the world has no objections to. The legal issue is just Eastern Jerusalem which has been annexed by Israel in 1967. Besides, it’s a wonderful city, a home for three religions, where do live gays too (of course less than in Tel Aviv, but believe me, there’s is strong gay community in Jerusalem too).
don’t feed the anti-semitic (sorry, the “Israel-policy-critic”) troll.
Why are people trying to figure it out by themselves instead of just waiting for the EBU to reveal it?
Patience…
They simply ignore the possibility that Eurovision actually may take place in Jerusalem. They believe what they want to believe. I hope for Jerusalem from the beginning. It’s a perfect chance to show various faces of Israel and convey a beautiful message to the rest of the world, just like in 1999. Eurovision is not only about gay community and it’s not the center of universe, guys. Tel Aviv is just max. one hour away. You can stay over there a week prior the contest and have your fun on the beaches and in the clubs. It’s not a big… Read more »
I still want it away from Jerusalem (I’m Israeli)
Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem… ok we got it. Btw the Giro was in Jerusalem on a Friday and in Tel Aviv on a Saturday just to prove that you neither tell the truth nor you really know what your talking about!
That’s true. I thought Ana has checked this already. I haven’t checked this on my own. But I know what I’m talking about. Besides, it looks like I’m the only person who actually did visit Pavillon 2. After KAN’s letter to Netanyahu, Israelis will push on Jerusalem even harder. EBU behaves like amaeturs and Israelis can give them some lessons, not opposite. Israel is not like EU with doors wide open in the name of some ill-thought political correctness. We really do care about our borders and who we let into country in. I haven’t heard that the same letter… Read more »
It’s no longer funny…
So now both of them meet all the requirements? I thought Shabbat is a no-no in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem didn’t really say ”no” to work on shabbat. Giro de Italia took place in Jerusalem during shabbat. Its not like nothing happens there ever in shabbat. They are just afraid to make a clear answer because theydon’t really know how the orthodox community will respond.
Plus, the Saturday final airs until after midnight, so it goes into Sunday thus making the whole argument completely ridiculous in the first place, in my non-religious opinion.
The problem is the Jury final on Friday night (when Shabbat starts) plus the rehearsals on Saturday (Shabbat itself)
Ana, I’m pretty sure that if it turns out to be Jerusalem, they gov will agree some stuff with their coalition partners (= orthodox community) in the exchange of something else.That’s how it works here. And you are right about Giro. Remember that the finish line was less than 1 km from the Old City and there was a stage and loud music too during Shabbat.
I know how it works, I lived in Israel most of my life. Netanyaho will spend your tax money on convincing the orthodox community to tolerate this event, the production costs will increase drastically because, well, you have to pay the orthodox community to shut up. Very good. Typical Israeli efficiency.
This delay is EBU’s fault. Why did they come up with this letter to Netanyahu just a few days ago while they could send it in the middle of August, when the dwposit was finally secured? Why didn’t they think about all the jewish holidays that are coming now and will cause even more delays in the negotiation of this letter?. They can’t expect to tell a country like Israel, that has tons of security conserns ”you must let everyone in for the eurovision” without having a proper negotiation and clarification of where is the red line to this. No,… Read more »
EBU: So, Jerusalem or Tel Aviv?
Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv
Kan: Tel Aviv
Miri Regev: Ok, fine, Tel Aviv
LGBT people: Tel Aviv, duh
Non-religious people: Tel Aviv!
EBU: I just…don’t…know…
Fans : Tel Aviv !
Some part of fans, especially gay fans (but you can even many find gay fans opting for Jerusalem, obviously not on wiwibloggs, but that’s fine). Not all fans and for sure and not the majority of Israelis who pay for the contest from their taxes.
Religious people too… literally everyone except for hardliner zionists
Jon, don’t be so sure about this. It’s a very complex issue in Israel. Don’t believe what they say in public, I mean officialy. It’s just politics. There are already ongoing talks behind the curtain. It’s always the same. What orthodox community really wants is to send strong message that Jerusalem is a Jewish city and Eurovision is a perfect occasion to do so. Eurovion lies in their long-term interest and Shabbat issue, is just let’s say, a starting point for negotiations. They just want something more and Eurovision is just an excuse. After many years, they are zionists too… Read more »
We all know it’s Tel Aviv. I’d be surprised if it weren’t.
Forgive my ignorance, is Tel-Aviv Yafo the proper name for the city instead of just Tel-Aviv?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tel_Aviv
Thanks, Maya. The mayor has been in office since Dana International won with Diva, I see…seems like a long time!
Yes, Tel-Aviv was founded in 1909 as a “hebrew” city outside the walls of Jaffa (during the Ottoman times). After the foundation of Israel Jaffa and Tel-Aviv merged into one municipality. The full and official name is “Tel Aviv-Jaffa”, though in practice, Jaffa is being regarded (even if technically that is not the case) as a neighborhood in Tel-Aviv, what in most cities in the world you would refer to as “the old town”…
Hope that helps 🙂
Sigh…
https://youtu.be/bFEoMO0pc7k
If this is true… then we have a long wait. Monday and Tuesday is the Jewish New Year in Israel which means the government and Netanyahu won’t be working. You can’t do the announcement on Fridays or Saturdays because it’s Shabbat and no ones working either so the only real time The PM has to answer this letter is Wednesday and Thursday.
And to be honest I’m getting tied of waiting… I have to book my flights!