It’s official we have our host city for 2020 and it’s Rotterdam!
The host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was officially announced by Dutch public broadcasting organization – NPO and the EBU. Rotterdam was selected to host the competition at the Ahoy Arena. The first semi final will be on 12 May, the second semi final on 14 May and the Grand Final on the 16 May.
Rotterdam had always been a favourite amongst fans and bookies, so it wasn’t a surprise win for The Netherlands’ second largest city.
Located on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas channel, the city is a major economic and cultural centre and is Europe’s largest port. A cosmopolitan city, famous for its modern and groundbreaking architecture, Rotterdam has a population of approx. 1.2 million people and should have no problem accommodating the expected surge in tourists next May.
Direct flights to Rotterdam/The Hague are available from most European centres and the city is roughly half an hour by train from Amsterdam and the busier Schiphol Airport. It is also serviced by a number of direct international train and bus services, making Rotterdam the perfect destination for fans in neighbouring countries.
The city has an impressive range of public transport options with trains, trams, buses and waterbuses making the city easily accessible for visitors.
The Ahoy Arena in the Zuiderpark district of Rotterdam will be the venue for the 2020 contest. Some fans will remember it as the venue for the 2007 Junior Eurovision Song Contest as well as hosting the MTV Europe Music Awards as recently as 2016. It often hosts other high profile concerts and annual sporting events. With a capacity around 10,000 people for large scale concerts, the arena itself should be a perfect fit for the Contest. Additionally, onsite convention spaces will be suitable for the production and press facilities that are also required.
The Zuiderpark district is only a short train 15-20 minute train ride from the centre of the city and also has ample parking for those travelling by car.
The Netherlands earned hosting rights for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 after Duncan Laurence won the 2019 competition in Tel Aviv with his song ‘Arcade’. Tickets go on sale later in the year.
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