Which Bulgarian city should host Eurovision 2027?

Following Bulgaria's historic first win at Eurovision in Vienna, focus has now shifted to which Bulgarian city will host the 71st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2027.

Reports are the Bulgarian broadcaster didn't waste any time in getting to work. Milena Milotinova, Director General has said:

"I want to tell you that the Bulgarian National Television is following in the footsteps of the EBU and Eurovision. There are special requirements, the "Bible" is 200 pages, it is currently being processed and translated. We are in continuous conference calls with colleagues. We are identifying first steps and there will be news soon, we will let you know."

So, what are some of the requirements for a Eurovision host city? Let's take a look at some of the previous Contests' requirements.

1. A large indoor arena

The venue must:

• be indoors

• have air conditioning

• have a secure perimeter

• support major TV production infrastructure

• have high roof load capacity

• allow large-scale rigging and stage construction

• and most importantly, capacity of around 8,000–10,000 people during the event.

  
  

2. International airport access

A host city must have an international airport no more than 90 minutes away.

3. Hotel capacity

A host city must have (according to the 2024 host city requirements):

• 3,500 hotel rooms available during contest week

• 1,000 rooms available two weeks before the contest. 

4. Press and backstage facilities

The 2024 host-city requirements included:

• press centre for 1,200 people

• delegation offices

• sponsor areas

• multiple dressing rooms

• 1,500 m² prop storage

• broadcast compound space

• large catering facilities.

  
  

5. Eurovision side-event infrastructure

The host city also needs spaces for:

• Eurovision Village

• EuroClub

• Opening Ceremony / Turquoise Carpet

• fan zones

• accreditation centre

• media events.

  
  

6. Transport and logistics

The host city must demonstrate:

• crowd management

• shuttle systems

• delegation transport

• airport transfers

• public transport planning.

  
  

So keeping in mind this information, let's take a look at how the four "said to be interested" Bulgarian cities shape up!

Sofia — the obvious frontrunner

Why it works

• Bulgaria’s largest city and capital

• best-connected airport in the country

• largest hotel capacity of approximately 13,000 beds plus over 1,500 active Airbnb listings

• strongest transport infrastructure

• existing large indoor venues

• hosted Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2015.

Potential venue

Arena 8888 Sofia official/venue data confirms 17,906 concert capacity.

Eurovision advantages

One could argue Sofia is the only Bulgarian city currently capable of hosting Eurovision as it already handles major concerts, sports events and international conferences.

Challenges

• traffic and congestion

• arena options may still require modernisation to meet full Eurovision production standards.

  
  

Plovdiv — the cultural option

Why it’s interesting

• Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest cities

• strong arts and cultural identity

• has previously successfully hosted large-scale cultural events

• compact and photogenic.

  
  

Potential venue

Kolodruma (also known as Kolodrum Plovidv) in Plovdiv is confirmed at 7,500 concert capacity.

Eurovision advantages

Plovdiv could market itself as the “heritage Eurovision” host city, leaning into the city's history.

Challenges

• smaller airport infrastructure

• limited arena capacity compared with Sofia

• hotel beds at approximately 5,200 plus Airbnb rooms may struggle during Eurovision peak demand.

  
  

Varna — the seaside candidate

Why it stands out

• Bulgaria’s biggest Black Sea city

• tourism infrastructure already exists including airport

• strong summer-event atmosphere

• Eurovision near the coast could be spectacular

• largest accommodation capacity due to popularity as a tourist destination by the sea (of over 55,000 beds)

Potential venue

Varna’s Palace of Culture and Sports (“Kongresna Hall”) is confirmed at 6,000.

Eurovision advantages

Varna offers a more unique television identity than Sofia. Broadcasters love postcard footage, waterfront staging and fan tourism potential, as well as the chance for a sunny and warm Eurovision.

Challenges

• Eurovision happens in May, before peak summer season

• arena suitability remains a major question

• transport links weaker than Sofia’s.

Burgas — the dark horse

Strengths

• strong tourism identity

• coastal atmosphere

• growing infrastructure including Burgas Airport that already handles large numbers of tourists in summer

• potentially cheaper than Sofia.

Potential venue

Arena Burgas' capacity is listed at 15,000 for concerts.

Weaknesses

• less international visibility

• venue limitations

• smaller media footprint

• limited accommodation options at 4,000 beds but there are other resort areas in proximity to Burgas that can hold many more tourists.

Eurovision advantages

With Burgas' location on the Black Sea, it has a coastal resort feel and is visually attractive. Burgas already has a reputation for festivals and concerts.

So what city do you think will be chosen for the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest?

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