Fans can finally start planning their travels, as the EBU has just announced that ROTTERDAM will be the host city of Eurovision 2020. Mark your calendars as the dates are set for the semi-finals and grand final as 12th, 14th and 16th of May at the Ahoy Arena. Rotterdam Ahoy Arena consists of three halls with the largest being with a capacity of 15,000 whilst the other two halls have a capacity number of 6,000 and 4,000.
The 2020 edition of Eurovision will mark the Netherlands’ fifth time hosting the contest. It has hosted previous editions in Hilversum, Amsterdam and twice in The Hague. Rotterdam has previously hosted Junior Eurovision in the same Ahoy arena.
Fans will be delighted to learn that Rotterdam is a major logistical and economic centre. In fact, its extensive distribution system of rail, roads, and waterways have earned Rotterdam the nicknames “Gateway to Europe” and “Gateway to the World”.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (formerly known as Zestienhoven) is the third-largest in the country located north of the city, it has recently experienced growth of low-cost carriers.
Rotterdam’s new Central Station reopened in March 2014, designed to handle up to 320,000 passengers daily. Rotterdam is well connected to the Dutch railway network and has several international connections.
Rotterdam hosts large events regularly which has made it a natural fit for Eurovision hosting duties. It hosts several annual events unique to the city such as Zomercarnaval (Summercarnaval), the second-largest Caribbean carnival in Europe. Other events include: North Sea Jazz Festival, the largest Jazz festival in Europe, Bavaria City Race, a Formula 1 race inside the city center and a 3-day long maritime extravaganza called the World Port Days celebrating the Port of Rotterdam.
This metropolitan jewel of the Netherlands is riding a wave of urban development, redevelopment and regeneration.
– Lonely Planet
The Netherlands earned its right to host the 2020 Eurovision edition after Duncan Laurence emerged victorious in Tel Aviv, with his song, ‘Arcade’.
What do you think of the news? Do you plan on joining the fun in May in Rotterdam? Let us know in the comments!