Düsseldorf to host 2011 Eurovision Song contest after bidding process

The final decision was taken early yesterday afternoon and approved by the song contest's governing body, the reference group.

The upcoming running of the Eurovision Song Contest would take place at Fortuna Düsseldorf's arena, which had a maximum seating capacity of 54,400 people.

Due to the required space for the stage and technical facilities, the capacity for the Eurovision Song Contest would be lower. Approximately 24,000 spectators would be able attend each of the three live shows and some of the dress rehearsals.

The arena was located within five kilometres from both Düsseldorf's international airport as well as the city centre.

Four German cities were in the running to host the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest next year: Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg and Hanover.

Over the past months, each city had made an effort to offer host broadcaster NDR and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) the best possible conditions to organise an unforgettable event in May 2011.

After detailed analysis and evaluation visits to all four cities, a series of practical challenges had to be overcome. Once all challenges were solved, the official announcement could be made immediately.

"Düsseldorf twelve points - North Rhine-Westphalia's capital city provides the best conditions for the Eurovision Song Contest, NDR's Director General Lutz Marmor said when making the announcement:

“I congratulate Düsseldorf cordially – and just as cordially I thank the other three cities for going into the race enthusiastically with attractive concepts,” he added.

On his part, ARD Head of Entertainment Thomas Schreiber explained how Dusserdorlf “scored mainly with the arena and its surroundings”. More than 24,000 viewers would be able to attend each of the two semi-finals, the grand final, and also the dress rehearsals.

“It was important to us that the most populous EU member state offers as many fans from Germany, but also from the neighbouring countries, the opportunity to experience this event live,” he insisted.

As part of the metropolitan area Rhein/Ruhr, Düsseldorf had a vast urban catchment reaching even into the Netherlands and Belgium.

"Berlin, Hamburg and Hanover had very imaginative and elaborate applications. All cities were working hard and dedicatedly to host the Eurovision Song Contest. For this commitment, sincere thanks are given to Berlin, Hamburg and Hanover by the NDR team," Schreiber concluded.

According to the production team, the conditions for a television production with more than 40 participating countries in Düsseldorf were "excellent".

The arena has perfect acoustics and provides enough height and space behind the scenes for the short alteration breaks between the songs, while journalists would have optimal working conditions in the neighbouring athletic sports arena.