Arnhem is investigating how it can host Eurovision and ensure that SBV Vitesse can play its matches during Eurovision.
In documents outlining Arnhem’s proposal for Eurovision 2020, the city has flagged the risk of SBV Vitesse being unable to leave its proposed venue. The document which will be discussed tomorrow by the council, states that it is possible that the Gelredome will not be free to use, if Vitesse cannot find a temporary pitch.
According to the document Arnhem views itself as one of the three front runners to host the competition. Based on the criteria of ceiling height of 18 metres or more, the proposed venue at the Gelredome is one of only three proposed venues in the Netherlands that meets the criteria. Furthermore it has the highest capacity of the three venues, with the Ahoy and Brabanthallen having a lower capacity.
The city will play up its ease of access to numerous airports in both the Netherlands and Germany. With easy public transport, rail and car links to Eindhoven, Weeze, Düsseldorf, Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague airports.
In addition the bid has received the backing of the 18 municipalities and the province of Gelderland, as well as support from businesses and educational facilities in developing a wider range of events around hosting the contest.
Arnhem has however highlighted two potential risks to it hosting the contest. The main risk is the availability of the proposed venue, the Gelredome. The required eight week period for the contest clashes with the home matches of the local football team SBV Vitesse.
The city is investigating whether a pitch outside of the venue can be temporarily setup with grandstands to enable the team to continue playing their matches whilst the contest takes place.
The other risk is that Arnhem and the province does not provide sufficient financial support to ensure that Eurovision can take place in the city.
A decision will be taken tomorrow as to whether Arnhem will progress with bidding to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.
Source: Arnhem
