Since the venue for Eurovision 2019 was confirmed as the Tel Aviv Convention Center, there’s been concern that many fans may miss out on tickets due to limited seating. Now Israeli media is reporting that a solution has been found to increase the number of seats: Eurovision 2019 is inviting the audience into the green room.

Yesterday local media reported that while Pavilion 2 of the convention centre can potentially seat 9000, after the Eurovision stage and production equipment take up space — and after tickets are allocated to delegations and EBU associates — there will only be 4000 seats available to fans.

But now it appears a solution has been found to let more fans enjoy the live Eurovision experience — public seating will be available in the green room.

Due to space limits in Pavilion 2, the green room — the space where artists and their support teams sit after they have performed — will be located in the adjacent Pavilion 1.

Ynet is reporting that as well as seating the Eurovision stars of 2019, the green room will also have seating for the general public.

Russia nervously waits for the results in the 2016 green room

The news site reports that between 2000 and 3000 green room tickets will be put on sale to the public. This could bring the total number of audience seats to around 10,000. While it won’t be the same as watching the live show next door, it will still offer a unique experience.

As well as being able to watch the broadcast on large screens inside Pavilion 1, the audience will be right there by the green room, with all the drama, comedy and champagne that typically flows in the  Eurovision green room.

And of course, the green room is where one lucky artist will discover they have won Eurovision 2019.

Since 2014, the green room has regularly been located inside the main arena along with the stage and public seating.

However, in 2013 — when the contest was held at the smaller than average Malmö Arena — the green room was located elsewhere. While Petra Mede hosted the main shows herself, over in the green room Eric Saade was given the task of interviewing the acts. This was the setting for Eric’s controversial “#MILF” quip that shocked some viewers.

The green room doesn’t always have a separate host, but with the layout for 2019, it seems Israel will need to have a person holding down the fort in Pavilion 1.

What do you think? Would you rather watch Eurovision from the green room or the main hall? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Read more Eurovision 2019 news here

Comments on this post are now closed.

Total
206
Shares
66 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
OohHoney
OohHoney
5 years ago

Why can’t the delegations and associates be put in the green room arena with the artists and the public full up the main hall as their the ones who have gone to see Eurovision live?

Cocooo
Cocooo
5 years ago
Reply to  OohHoney

That’s what they’re planning to do, but they’re going to add seats to the green room for the public as well, like they did in Malmö 2013.

Marcus (Day One)
Marcus (Day One)
5 years ago

After all the hassle as to whether Israel would host it turned out they didn’t even have an arena that met EBU rules (capacity of 10,000)

So they’ve had to seperate the green room which I’ve never liked at eurovision.
It just seems weird that the artist won’t even get to see the contest in person and just have to watch it on a TV like I will in the UK.

Ana
Ana
5 years ago

Do you understand that many participating counties don’t have huge indoor arenas? Where do you think cyprus would host? Google their arena situation. Not speaking about other small states.

OohHoney
OohHoney
5 years ago

Well the EBU approved the venue so it meets their rules?

Ana
Ana
5 years ago
Reply to  OohHoney

The EBU break an EBU rule! The EBU should get a huge fine from the EBU because of that. Shame on you EBU! How dare you making new rules for Eurovision? Who do you think you are? The EBU?

Gerome
Gerome
5 years ago

I dont get the bitter people about the arena… THERE WILL ALWAYS shortage in seats. And Israel is a very small country, and won BIG TIME. Just respect that and enjoy the show, even if its not gonna be from the loud and noisy arena. And as someone who travelled to Tel Aviv, I can gurantee the city is PERFECT for hosting ESC and the atmosphere is amazing.

Lorde
Lorde
5 years ago

How different would Jerusalem be?

Ana
Ana
5 years ago
Reply to  Lorde

about 2k difference

clare
clare
5 years ago

I’m sure Israel will put on a great show. I wish them good luck.

Joe
Joe
5 years ago

Guys, Israeli security can’t be beaten. You try something, you’re flat on your back in seconds. I wouldn’t worry.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
5 years ago
Reply to  Joe

No chance for the stage invaders next year, I guess.

Martin Kilp
Martin Kilp
5 years ago

I’m really interested in seeing this play out. I wonder if this will be a pioneer year of developing a full green room program to cover the three and a half hour grand final. I don’t think this will marry the green room approach of 2013 with the Eurovision: The Party! Programming from 2016 BUT featuring all the artists present. Could be a pretty fun way to experience the contest, especially for hardcore fans.

srulik
srulik
5 years ago
Reply to  Martin Kilp

Robyn, is it any different from being in the press room during the show?
Will you be coming to israel?

Fatima
Fatima
5 years ago

Bring fans closer to the artists. Just what we needed after two years of stage invasions.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

That’s a very important point. Although I expect Israel of all countries to be aware of the importance of security. I don’t know if the EBU or the respective broadcaster is managing security and therefore more at fault but it certainly is a disgrace.

srulik
srulik
5 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

Do you honestly think it could happen in israel of all places? I can assure you we have tons of security in concerts/sports/events so it won’t happen.

No Name
No Name
5 years ago

Thanks, I hate it.

Loin dici
Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  No Name

You’re welcome, please respect the team.

Iris
Iris
5 years ago

They are trying to put the best show with what they have. It may be a smaller arena with a smaller audience but the show that they will put together will be huge and world class, so keep that in mind with all the criticism.

Iris
Iris
5 years ago

People forget that in large arenas from a certain distance the visibility in such that you don’t see the stage well and watch everything on the screens anyway. The plus here is that fans will be able to interact with the artists in the green room, and that once the voting begins, this pavilion will actually host all the drama. Moreover, it is up to organisation and planning to make the most out of the facilities Tel Aviv has to offer. From what I read they are planning largerst “eurovision city” ever with lots of events happening simultanestly with costumes,… Read more »

Alex
Alex
5 years ago

I understand this is the best solution they can come up after the fiasco of the 4k seats but honestly who would pay a (big amount i assume) of money to watch the content from tv screens?
Cmon, this is Israel, it should be hosted in a decent-size arena.

Anton
Anton
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

I was in the standing area in the arena in Lisbon, couldn’t see very much and the screens were turned off during the songs. It was a farce.

clare
clare
5 years ago
Reply to  Anton

Your comment is a farce. I was there and the screens were visible.

Juan Cena
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

You’re basically needing the big screens to watch the show if you’ve got nosebleed seats in a large arena.

srulik
srulik
5 years ago

Sounds like a great solution and this helps getting more tickets for OGAE members and the die hard fans who can’t find themaelves in the eurovilage.

Nikki
Nikki
5 years ago

i think the main problem is the division of the audience. If you’re on your own, it’s going to be good whatever you are allocated. But if you’re with a big group, it may create problems of have some people in one place, some people in other, so, the tickets purchase could get difficult if you have people getting big bulks for one place, to be sure the whole group gets allicated on the same pavillion, and that may help people bulk buying for reselling

srulik
srulik
5 years ago
Reply to  Nikki

I think what’s going to happen is we will have tickets sold separately to each venue so first tickets for the main arena will go on sale and after theu sell out tickets for the green room will be sold. I don’t mind being in either one because each will have it’s kick and advantages.

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago

Really great idea. I love the concept of an adjacent party room. To be fair even in Portugal, while the green room was where the main show was taking place – you could barely see the stage from where the artists were sitting, so they watched it on screens anyways. I think people have to keep in mind that the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality is insanely committed to Eurovision 2019. They are planning a whole month of events around the competition, culminating with the Gay Pride Parade. Those who are saying Jerusalem would have been better, just don’t understand what they… Read more »

Ana
Ana
5 years ago
Reply to  LawStudent

2.5 million tourists visit Tel Aviv without Eurovision, so even if you’re going to watch Eurovision from the Eurovillage, you will still have a great time. Every year thousands of people can’t get tickets. The capacities of the stadiums of the recent years are 10-14k. This is not enough to meet the demand anyway. I don’t understand the hysteria.

Isaac Muscat
Isaac Muscat
5 years ago

Well, Copenhagen 2014 had around 10,000 and the arena looking huge whilst Vienna 2015 supposedly had at least 2,000 more seats but look way smaller. Malmo 2013 also looked quite big despite being on the smaller side of venues in recent years. So you can’t complain too much from now – who know’s? Maybe when it’s done it might look as big as a Kyiv 2017 for example.

David
David
5 years ago
Reply to  Isaac Muscat

I think the reason Copenhagen looked huge, was the high ceiling, something Tel Aviv doesn’t have…

Ana
Ana
5 years ago
Reply to  David

Maybe try to check some facts before you claim stuff? The height of the LED in 2014 was 13m, the height of the whole set was around 16m. The ceiling in pavilion 2 is 20m tall. The reason Copenhagen looked big is because the building was bigger, therefore there was more floor space to build larger tribunes and standing area.

Ana
Ana
5 years ago

I used the sketches of the actual Pavilion to figure out how a larger number of people can be squeezed into this venue, including a large stage, backstage corridor, control room, commentator booths, camera gear etc. I made 2 possible configurations when both came out with about 9,5k spectators. I’m dying to see how they are going to solve this, it’s actually pretty interesting.comment imagecomment image

Maya
Maya
5 years ago

People come for the overall avdventure…It was reported that they are planning ONE MONTH of many events all around TLV and behind !! Live shows, the gay pride paride (will probabably take place on May-17, on Fri morning) – HUGE event. Beach parties, stages with events in many location etc..

Sam
Sam
5 years ago

I told you all along that Pavilion 2 is too small(Ana own me apology) you didn’t believed me that it’s the facts capacity only 6,500 people
comment image

beccaboo1212
5 years ago
Reply to  Sam

This is gonna be tough. 😮

Ana
Ana
5 years ago
Reply to  Sam

You’re keep posting this sketch made by a fan that you found in some forum. Here’s a sketch that I like comment image:large

Sam
Sam
5 years ago
Reply to  Ana

No one going to approve this right sketch, second floor temporary tribune is too risky, Israel have known for their disaster temporary constructions like maccabiah bridge collapse.
so I’m sure they will not take the risk and put only one floor tribunes like in the sketch that I posted

Ana
Ana
5 years ago
Reply to  Sam

I think so too, that’s why I made sketches of configuration that doesn’t require a second floor (but since in Eurovision production there will be tons of foreign experts anyway, why won’t they build a safe and stable second floor?). My sketches are awaiting moderation (wiwi I’m not posting dicks, just sketches)…….. But you can see very clearly that Pais arena is not as big as everybody claims.

Gobio
Gobio
5 years ago

I don’t get the complaints, the alternative is for the artists to sit in an adjacent empty room like in 2013. There is no way a green room would fit in the main arena whatsever.

Denis
Denis
5 years ago

It does sound nice. I mean you get to see and sit among the competing artists. There could be worse options.

Trh
Trh
5 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Do you really believe that anyone will be sitting “among” the artist?…

Eyal
Eyal
5 years ago

The place of the green room and the seats capacity doesn’t automatically affect the quality of the show. The whole event can be breathtaking even with only 6500 ppl in the arena. The new idea with the green room may turn out to be really cool. I sense very exaggerated negativity. Israel knows very well the challenges it’s facing. They’ll work extra hard to give a good memorable show. I’m against bashing other hosts for the shows they gave. Every situation is different. Saying that Israel is doing an AWFUL job is pure hatred. Israel has hot weather and it… Read more »

Sal
Sal
5 years ago

Great idea! It will be like Eurovision: The Party in 2016 but right next door and with the green room there!
And now I’m even more certain that we will see Assi Azar (and maybe Rotem Sela) as green room hosts annoying the participants with a more professional and serious host (or hosts) doing the main job (Bar Rafaeli and Erez Tal?)

Joe
Joe
5 years ago
Reply to  Sal

Who were the guys in the announcement video Kan made? They could be funny, and their English is perfect.

Maya G
Maya G
5 years ago
Reply to  Joe

They’re from KAN’s digital media division. They mostly make amusing and informative videos such as this one about swearing in Yiddish: https://youtu.be/Ch65IDWflEM
It’s a good idea but highly unlikely, they don’t have the star power or the experience, plus according to Israeli media KAN already picked three other hosts.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
5 years ago

In my opinion eurovision isn’t the right show for you to watch if you cant live with the idea that it might be hosted in a small arena. What will you guys do if one day a small country like cyprus, montenegro, slovenia or georgia wins the contest? Will you guys post toxic comments all year round about how “this years contest is gonna suck” because i have to see a small capacity arena on television 🙁 , everything’s gonna be just fine. Stop blowing things out of proportions literally every year.

voix
voix
5 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

do you realise honey that eurovision is not a studio event? to accomodate 40+ countries and a huge production you should have a big space. Deal with it.This in not “The Voice” or “Britains got talent” (actually even the live shows of BGT are on a theater). Having 93 tickets PER COUNTRY, is not enough, and it will reduce the feeling and the vibe that the contest have.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Totally agree with you, Frisian esc. It’s always like some people are more interested in the drama surrounding each Eurovision than in the contest itself.

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

It’s very simple. A country that wins is not obliged to host.
If they don’t have a decent venue they can obviously refuse the invitation to host . It doesn’t mean the smaller countries should not win. Both things are separate.

Loin dici
Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  Kris

But who would not want to bring such international festival to their country? Isn’t it a honor to be the host of such a big event?

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

Far from (it) here. The event is made or broken by the want of people or lack thereof to experience the event live. A small country may choose to host it in a small arena but that would mean more disappointment for die-hard fans , as a large number will not get seats , some of whom might not be as enthusiastic in their support in the future. In case they choose to build a new venue, the cost of construction may be not profitable in the long run. The states rarely cover the costs of construction and organization in… Read more »

Fatima
Fatima
5 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

I agree, it would be a breath of fresh air to have a more intimate setting. With fewer fans and their distracting flags and inflatables. And hopefully no stage invasions. It’s a song contest, not a convention.

Apostum
Apostum
5 years ago

Great solution!! It can be a great show just like 2013.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago

I’m certainly curious how this is going to look when it’s finished. Does that mean those visitors will be right next to/among the delegations in the green room? I’m not sure how I would feel about that as a participant.
Honestly, it’s all speculation until we watch an actual live show in May. I personally felt like the shows in Vienna looked really small. In the opening act, it totally looked like a medium-scale hall inside an arena.

Stevan
Stevan
5 years ago

The green room would be seperated from the arena, and the audience in the green room would have their own seats behind and on the sides of the green room. They wouldn’t have access to the artists themselves. And everybody in the greenroom would be watching on a giant screen. Go watch 2013 results to see how it might work

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
5 years ago
Reply to  Stevan

That sounds pretty nice, actually. Why not?

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
5 years ago

Oh cuz Portugal’s “we’re gonna make the cheapiest Eurovision of the last decade”, with a stage that looks like it was taken from the early 00 is any better?

allexo
allexo
5 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

I bet your Israeli, Portugal did more as a host in a week than your country has done in 4 months, so stfu

Joshua
Joshua
5 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Portugal did an amazing job and showed that you don’t need Sweden’s budget to have a great show. Can’t judge the Israeli broadcaster’s job, because we still need to see the final results, but so far expectations are low and this edition doesn’t look promising at all.

Ana
Ana
5 years ago
Reply to  Joshua

Portugal didn’t do great. The show was as underwhelming as their entry. The stage was filled with HUGE elements that did nothing pretty much, I was actually convinced that those “blades” will move, create a new pattern for every song, in reality they were just LED stripes, that’s all, some lights and LED stripes! GIANT, HUGE motionless f*cking LED stripes. No, Portugal wasn’t good, even with their big venue.

Joshua
Joshua
5 years ago
Reply to  Ana

That’s why it was classy and enjoyable without the need of huge lights and flashes.
Every country adds their touch to each edition and I surely tasted that wonderful Portuguese flavour to the whole show this May.
Looking forward to be able to say the same about Israel.

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
5 years ago

Moran <3

Ana
Ana
5 years ago

Also, reportedly thousands of seats would be installed in the props area, control room, the staff cafeteria and the dressing rooms. Instead of making stupid solutions as such, they should plan the tribunes in pavilion 2 so they can contain as much people as possible.