Linz and Wels withdraw ESC application-who stays in the race?

Linz and Wels withdraw ESC application-who stays in the race?

like a bang in the domestic cultural scene! Linz and Wels have officially withdrawn their application for issuing the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026. This was confirmed by the mayors of the two cities on Tuesday afternoon. The withdrawal takes place due to technical and financial challenges that simply cannot be mastered. According to ESC-KOMPAKT , the main problem is to comply with specific stage-technical requirements, such as the necessary ceiling heights and hanging points, which are simply not fulfilled in Linz and catfish could.

The stage for the event is crucial. Wels had focused on the exhibition hall under construction as a venue, while Linz brought his experience with major events and hotel capacities. But reality looks different: "The requirements and costs have increased considerably compared to the ESC 2015 in Vienna," said Mayor of Linz Dietmar Prammer. His Wels counterpart Andreas Rabl also regrets the decision and highlights the high technical standards that have to remain unfulfilled.

Vienna and Innsbruck in the race

Currently only Vienna, Innsbruck and St. Pölten are in the race for the expiry of the ESC 2026. Vienna has confirmed its official application, while Innsbruck also expresses interest and would like to officially apply. St. Pölten has expressed interest, but has not yet submitted an application. The deadline for submitting official applications ends on July 4, and the decision on the Host City and the date of the ESC 2026 will be announced in mid -August.

In Graz, however, the application failed due to immense costs of almost 30 million euros. Vienna thus remains as a predominant location, which, in addition to the high expenditure, also promises massive income and advertisers for the local economy. According to The standard Roland Weißmann is ready to start preparations for the major event.