The NPO needs more information. That’s the news coming out of the Netherlands as the Eurovision 2020 host city race draws to a close.

As RTL Nieuws reports, the last two remaining cities — Rotterdam and Maastricht — must once again consider their plans for the organization of the song contest at the request of the organizing broadcaster. The two potential host cities have until this Friday to hand over a supplement that expands on their previously submitted bid books.

The selection committee — which consists of the broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS – conducted working visits to the candidate cities last month. And it seems that those trips have inspired more questions about how Rotterdam (home of the world-famous Ahoy) and Maastricht (home to the lesser-known MECC) intend to throw Europe’s biggest party.

The request for still more information suggests how serious the host broadcaster is taking its decision. It could also imply that the race is very tight, and that officials want another chance to somehow separate two strong contenders.

So what exactly are they looking for? A spokesperson for the MECC said the request includes “the situation with certain permits or the program of the side events”. As we previously reported, Maastricht has already shared publicly some of its impressive plans, which include using a former gas storage unit for EuroClub and assigning delegations various neighbourhoods of the city for celebratory events.

The additional information may revolve around the practicalities that surround these plans — everything from parking and transport to funding and security. Throwing a party isn’t all fun and games, right?

The spokesman for the municipality of Rotterdam, who nominated Ahoy as the host venue, didn’t provide any further details about the additions to the bid book, but confirmed that it’s a matter of adding that “finishing touch.”

Based on the bid books and working visits to the cities, the selection committee will make its recommendation to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The decision should be announced in mid-August — after which all of you can start planning your trips!

Last month, Utrecht, Arnhem and Den Bosch also tried to win the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2020. Those three cities were summarily dropped by the host broadcaster owing to a mixture of factors, including the financial contributions each city could make.

Fan hype has been building in recent hours. Duncan Laurence was spotted in Maastricht on Monday to record a promotional video. And later this week the Eurovision 2019 winner will visit Rotterdam on behalf of AVROTROS to make a video. It is not yet clear what role Duncan is playing — perhaps he’s just filming congratulatory videos which can be used to announce the eventual winner? What is known is that he’s previously indicated he would like to be one of the hosts for Eurovision 2020. We’d be thrilled if he showed us his Arcade!

Where do you hope ESC 2020 will be? Would you like to see Duncan Laurence as one of the hosts? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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Keiilo
Keiilo
4 years ago

off topic: OK, new information today, Den borsch wasn’t chosen because the height of the venue was below 18m. and that they did not offer enough money.
So is it only about money then ?! According to many sources the MECC has 16m in height but they’re still in the running. For me this is crazy, Den Borsch hall even looks better than MECC. Shame on EBU and the NOS, NPO & avrottros reference group… So Unfair

(Brabanthallen)
comment image

Tuvaly
Tuvaly
4 years ago
CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago
Reply to  Tuvaly

That ceiling is too low. Kate Miller-Heidke would not have been able to sway on those fiberglass poles without worrying about hitting her head on one of those lights up there. Once more, the film crews would have had a hard time getting a clear straight shot of her with that scoreboard in the middle of the ceiling blocking the cameraman’s view.

Kaarl Augregen
Kaarl Augregen
4 years ago
Reply to  Tuvaly

You’re so right.
How would they fit Commentator boxes, Camera equipment, light rigs, a high definition stage, 10.000 fans, even more blocking flags, live screens and a green room on top of that in that room?!
Honestly if Belgium wins next year, my school gym can host.

Tena
Tena
4 years ago

in the first city that presents cozy feeling, european environment and enthusiasm. And the other city you have great facility, modern city and good transport and airport connection. Head to head race for real

Alex
Alex
4 years ago

Gosh this is nail biting.

Dutchie
Dutchie
4 years ago

They want Maastricht to take it. So they give them an extra chance to make their bid better. I am telling you it is going to be Maastricht. I would be really upset tho and I am not ready for all the drama it’s gonna cause. Sorry in advance from a dutchie.

Tena
Tena
4 years ago
Reply to  Dutchie

i’m so disappointed that they don’t listen to eurovision fans, We still want Rotterdam

And believe me, you can trust eurovision fans on how to make a Eurovision Party!

Rob
Rob
4 years ago

The other theory is that they want Maastricht to solve the arena. Which is a bit surreal because they just can’t change the height

Rob
Rob
4 years ago

I have a feeling they don’t announce the winner only because of giving the cities PR all over europe. In Lisbon it was different

Rob
Rob
4 years ago

Is there any facts on this, or is it just your favorite pic?

Loin dici
4 years ago

Within any day between August 10th to August 17th, we will know the host city. My heart still wants Rotterdam, not gonna lie.

Alex
Alex
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

So do I.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
4 years ago

Can’t wait for the EBU to select Maastricht and the hysteria that will follow in the blog comments. I need to prepare myself for that festival 😀 “Alexa, add pasta and wine to my shopping list” 😉

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
4 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

I feel the storm coming already.

Dawidek
Dawidek
4 years ago

Fingers crossed for Maastricht !!!!!!

James
James
4 years ago

Off-topic: I’m pretty sure many are aware of this but yeah, “Arcade” was heard two weeks ago by both the UK and US versions of Love Island.

Here’s one from Love Island USA (sadly the same clip from the official Youtube channel had it removed possibly because of music rights): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NteHT4uPf6g

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  James

Truly, winning Eurovision was just a prelude to the real honor here.

infinity
infinity
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

The sarcasm…

Tylos
Tylos
4 years ago

Theory: They want to pick Maastricht but can’t on the current bids, so they’re asking for additional details that can justify their predetermined outcome.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

Maastricht is really determined and I admire how much they wanna do it – but come on, Rotterdam is easily the better option.

Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

how is this clownery still going on skskskjsk we all kno it’s rotterdam

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago

If they have already decided for Rotterdam, they don’t want to give Maastricht that impression. They’ll give both cities the appearance of doing things “by the book”, before ultimately making the announcement.

Joseph Mendy
Joseph Mendy
4 years ago

Like everyone else, I’m getting impatient and intense. Can we just get this over with PLEASE!!!!

Joseph Mendy
Joseph Mendy
4 years ago

This host city race has been going on for far too long!!!!!

Rdam va Maas
Rdam va Maas
4 years ago
Reply to  Joseph Mendy

Let’s talk about Kyiv in 2017….
Lucky Memories, Lucky Memories…

KESC
KESC
4 years ago
Reply to  Rdam va Maas

Not trying to defend anyone, but in 2017, the host city was announced in early September and in 2019 as well, so the Dutch broadcaster isn’t that far away from them either.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  KESC

The difference is that various issues made neither 2017 or 2019 have obvious choices for venues. Compare that to 2018, where anywhere other than in Lisbon and at Altice Arena was crazy and they announced it by July since letting other cities bid was pretty much just a formality.

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

An important difference (as well as the ones Joe outlined already) is that Portugal had never hosted before, and for a first time host you give the honour to your largest, most well known city. Hence we all knew we were going to Lisbon in 2018 as soon as Salvador won! Since The Netherlands has hosted before, other cities have a greater chance of hosting and so get more competitive. Apart from the political and religious issues associated with hosting in Jerusalem there was also a sense of sharing the ESC love with other cities, which played into part of… Read more »

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

Nine times out of ten, if a first-time host isn’t hosting in their capital city, it’s either because that city doesn’t have the right venue or a sports team is using it for something. I’m pretty sure Istanbul 2004 was the last time a country hosted for the first time outside of their capital.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

It’s pretty self-evident that people (besides Netta) weren’t immediately saying “See you in Jerusalem” or “See you in Amsterdam” after those two countries won but immediately started saying “See you in Lisbon” when Portugal won.

Merete
Merete
4 years ago

I definitely vote for Rotterdam??

esc26
esc26
4 years ago

Everyone wants Rotterdam. Please don’t be stupid

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
4 years ago
Reply to  esc26

No. Since I live 30 minutes away from Maastricht I prefer it. But sure Rotterdam seems to be a better choice 🙂

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
4 years ago

Nearly all people who want Maastricht to host, live in or near Maastricht. Which city has the best venue (clearly Rotterdam) should be the most important, not how close it is to you.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Lisianthus

It’s also easier to commute between Rotterdam and the other main Dutch cities. Maastricht is convenient if you want to take a day trip to Belgium or Germany, but it’s kind of far away from most of the Netherlands.

Anne
Anne
4 years ago
Reply to  esc26

No i don’t

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
4 years ago

HOW IS THIS STILL A DISCUSSION PICK ROTTERDAM ALREADY!

Tromsø Eurovision Fan
Tromsø Eurovision Fan
4 years ago

What Maastricht can offer: * City Dressing and Promotional Campaign * Press Centre Venue in close proximity to venue * Financial Contribution What Rotterdam can offer: * Safety and Security Plan * Side Events Program and Locations * Accomodation and Hotel Capacity * Infrastructure and Logistics to hold Eurovision * Indoor Arena with a capacity of circa 10,000 spectators * City Dressing and Promotional Campaign * Press Centre Venue in close proximity to venue * International Airport in close proximity with internatioal flight connections * Efficient Transport System * Financial Contribution For me this is not even a close race.… Read more »

Joseph Mendy
Joseph Mendy
4 years ago

From what I’m seeing Rotterdam ticks all those boxes.

CannesESC
CannesESC
4 years ago

Duncan was spotted in Maastricht at 12.00. And by 16.00 he also visited Rotterdam according to his manager.

pepe
pepe
4 years ago
Reply to  CannesESC

They are probably filming welcome videos. Only one of which will be used of course.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
4 years ago

They still feel like they don’t have all the information they need? Oh my god i thought they’d be able to make a decision at this point and announce it like a week from now. Guess we to wait until the very end of august then…

Karlan
Karlan
4 years ago

Duncan was seen in Maastricht.

Jannes
Jannes
4 years ago
Reply to  Karlan

At 12.00 he was in maastricht, and by 16.00 he was in Rotterdam recording.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago

I’m still rooting for the Dutch part of the Antilles.

Sam
Sam
4 years ago

What about some tulip field surrounded by windmills? 😉

Chris
Chris
4 years ago

Plz… Let it be Rotterdam!!

Lol
Lol
4 years ago

It’s not even a close call imo. I don’t know why they’re complicating it so much when Rotterdam has the only proper venue therefore it’s not a close race..