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Ebreichsdorf no longer dreams: Como City withdraws ESC application!
Comer City is withdrawing its application for ESC 2026 because tight deadlines and bureaucracy reduce its chances against cities like St. Pölten.
Ebreichsdorf no longer dreams: Como City withdraws ESC application!
Ebreichsdorf's hopes of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 are finally gone. The local Comer City has officially withdrawn its application to host the popular music event. Managing Director Siegmund Kahlbacher confirmed that the proposal will not advance to the next selection round. Despite financial support from Irish real estate tycoon Luke Comer, the bureaucracy and tight time frame were simply too much. This means that the dreams and plans to develop Ebreichsdorf into a dynamic “music metropolis” have failed for the time being eurovisionfun.com reported.
The ambitious plans included the construction of a temporary concert site with space for up to 20,000 spectators and additional space for up to 30,000 people for public broadcasting. A fully equipped press center for 1,500 media representatives should not be missing. The former Magna Racino was chosen as the ideal venue, but the regulations of the public broadcaster ORF required an official application from the municipality of Ebreichsdorf. Private investments, unless approved by the municipality, were not permitted.
Complex application hurdles
The decision did not come as a surprise, as Ebreichsdorf's chances were considered slim from the start. Strong competitors such as Vienna, Innsbruck and St. Pölten have a more robust infrastructure and are once again proving themselves to be important players in the selection process. Innsbruck has already received the “green light” for its application, while other cities are also in the final stages of finalizing their concepts oe24.at determines.
Kahlbacher admitted that the reality of hosting an event of this magnitude was far more complicated than originally imagined. Although he showed understanding for the situation, there remains disappointment about the project's premature end. “We had hoped to present the advantages of the region and involve the community,” said Kahlbacher.
A look at the Eurovision Song Contest
20min.ch reports.
The future of the Eurovision Song Contest remains exciting, but for Ebreichsdorf and Comer City's plans it is now time for something new! It remains to be seen whether the region will get a second chance - and perhaps one day the big music competition will come to Ebreichsdorf after all.