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Eurovision 2015 in Austria: Where will the contest take place?

After the victory of Conchita last Saturday in Copenhagen, the Austrian delegation from ORF (Österreichischer Rundfunk) revealed the possibilities of hosting the contest either in the capital city, Vienna or Salzburg.  Vienna, Klagenfurt, Innsbruck, Lower Austria, Graz, Upper Austria, Burgenland, and Vorarlberg are all reportedly interested in hosting the contest while Salzburg has been pulled out of the bidding phase as the city is not able to put forward to the cost of the venue and promotion.

Vienna, the capital city, is now considered main front-runner in the race, has two venues in the phase: the Wiener Stadthalle (16.000) which hosts the annual Erste Bank Open tennis tournament,along many concerts and events along the year. and the Messe Wein (30.000). In the race are also Stadthalle Graz (10.000) and Schwarzl Freizeit Zentrum (5.000), both located in the second largest city of Austria Graz. With maximum capacity of 30,000, the Wörthersee Stadion located in Klagenfurt also joined the race of hosting the contest. However, the stadium would require the construction of a roof on the stadium for the contest to be hosted. Innsbruck also joined the phase with Olympiahalle (10.000), the venue which hosted ice hockey and figure skating at 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. Making it the fifth city, Linz joined the race for hosting the contest with Brucknerhaus (1.420) although the venue is not big enough for the contest. Oberwart with the Exhibition hall (7.000) and Vorarlberg with the Vorarlberger Landestheater (7.000) were the currently last cities to join the phase with the last being very unlikely to host the contest.

Conchita received lots of messages from worlwide stars like Cher, Lady Gaga or Elton John, while the contest has reached another massive success amongst viewing figures from most of participating countries, even China or Austria, where they also voted for their favourite act. Sweden is the winner for China and Austria holds the same for Australian fans, who achieved their best screen quote ever, mostly thanks to Jessica Mauboy, who performed on stage at the 2nd semi . For next year’s 60th anniversary of the contest Jon Ola stated the preparations of many surprises are already in full swing, though it is expected to have a withdrawal from some participating countries this year as they do not seem to agree on Conchita’s victory or current voting sistem/running order by the host broadcaster. Anyway, some of them already stated to keep on and a few more will come back after a break this year.

The 60th Eurovision Song Contest has already begun! Are you all ready to rise like phoenix birds do? See you in Austria!

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