So after watching the Dutch win Eurovision this year, you might be thinking to yourself...."this is the year I'm going to finally go to Eurovision" or perhaps "yep I'm up for the crazy ride again!".
EIther way you need to start planning now....
So what do we know so far and what question can be answered. Let's take a look...
How can you get tickets?
We are a long way off knowing when tickets will be available and how much they'll be. It does depend on the host city (see below) but we are looking towards the end of the year or start of 2020. But what you can do is join your local OGAE Fan Club. OGAE Fan Clubs are the official fan clubs of Eurovision and are often provided with fan package tickets from organisers.
Clubs usually hold a ballot to determine who can get the tickets. In Australia you must join the OGAE Australia club by the Sunday 30 June to be eligible to go in the draw. So get joining now! http://ogaeaustralia.com/membership-details/
When is it?
Well it will definitely be taking place during a week in May. And that's about all that can be confirmed! We can however make some educated guesses..... The Champions League Final is on Saturday 30 May and we don't usually see these two big European events go up against each other. Additionally semi finals for the Champions League would clash with possible semi final dates of Tuesday 28 April and Tuesday 5 May.
That leaves the two possibilities being 12, 14 and 16 May or the 19, 21 and 23 May.
There is also the German Cup being held on the evening of 23 May, so that could mean the EBU and the Dutch may favour the 12, 14 and 16 May but nothing is definite. So don't go booking anything just yet!
Where will it be?
Nine cities originally put bids in but two have already pulled out. In the running are: Amsterdam, Arnhem, Breda, 's-Hertogenbosch, Maastricht, Rotterdam and Utrecht. Leeuwarden pulled out due to roof issues with their stadium and The Hague have pulled out for costs involved in constructing a roof. The Hague now support nearby Rotterdam's bid.
There has been reports that many in Amsterdam are not keen on the influx of tourists in an already popular destination. Early bets are that Rotterdam is a leading contender but again.... do not book anything yet. Anything could happen!
So although where and when is not sorted out yet, you can start to roughly plan your annual leave and holidays for next year AND join your local fan club to help get tickets and support Eurovision in your nation.