The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 was a milestone for the Messe and Congress Center Basel. Our task was to act as the heart of the fan zone with our infrastructure. We not only provided the spatial foundation for the Eurovision Village as well as the EuroClub & Café, but, on behalf of the City of Basel, we also took on the complete planning and implementation of the city activations: from the Opening Ceremony to the Eurovision Boulevard, the Eurovision Square, and the Eurovision Street.
Preparations for the project began around eight months in advance in close coordination with the City of Basel, SRG SSR as the broadcasting host, and the EBU as the rights holder.
Our team was fully responsible for the concept and implementation of the Eurovision Village as well as the EuroClub & Café. The extremely short planning period, combined with the complex coordination of numerous local and international partners, was particularly challenging. Our goal was to merge the high requirements of the international ESC production with the flexibility and functionality of our infrastructure and our experience in the global event business in the best possible way.
Layout and Infrastructure
Our venues were used with clear structure:
- Hall 1 was transformed into the Eurovision Village – the central fan zone for up to 12,000 guests at a time. The hall was divided into various zones: an activation zone for sponsors, a core zone with numerous food trucks, bars, and the Village Stage, as well as an event zone with lounges, bars, and the Main Stage.
- The opposite Event Hall and the South Foyer became the EuroClub & Café – with space for around 3,000 party guests. For eight nights, fans celebrated here with current and former ESC acts.
- Hall 2 and Hall 4 served as operational bases for police and military. Part of Hall 2 was also used for the party during the Opening Ceremony.
- Hall 5 became the central cloakroom since, for security reasons, no bags or backpacks were allowed in the event halls.
- The Messeplatz (exhibition square) was also used as a lively activation zone – various media houses offered activities such as live broadcasting and karaoke. Visitors could also admire the colorful and walkable artwork by Claudia Comte.
All spaces were tailored precisely to the respective requirements and implemented accordingly.
Logistics, Security, and Operations
A special focus was placed on logistics: more than 25 truck deliveries had to be coordinated, stage and lighting technology installed, and security zones set up. Our central location and excellent access to public transport enabled efficient management of visitor flows and supply traffic.
An interdisciplinary project team from hall management, technology, logistics, security, and guest services worked closely with external partners – building on our many years of experience with large-scale events. Defining visitor routes and emergency plans was especially important to ensure a safe and smooth process.
One particular challenge was a corporate event with more than 5,500 participants, which took place just two days before the Eurovision Village opened in Hall 1. Thanks to precise scheduling and conversion work in multiple shifts, the hall was successfully transformed for the ESC fan zone only a few hours after the corporate event ended.
Visitors, Sustainability, and Inclusion
During the ESC week, we welcomed more than 500,000 guests in Basel, many of whom visited our halls. We are especially proud of the smooth processes during all event days as well as the consistent integration of sustainability and inclusion aspects:
- Waste separation and sustainable catering concepts
- Promotion of travel by public transport
- Inclusive offerings such as wheelchair areas, behind-the-scenes tours for visually impaired people, gender-neutral toilets, and interpretation of some shows for hearing-impaired guests
Our aspiration was to make the ESC fan zone in the MesseQuartier Basel accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of physical conditions.
Conclusion
ESC 2025 was more than just an event for us: it was an international highlight full of emotion, diversity, and community. We are proud that we, as the Messe and Congress Center Basel, were able to provide the stage for such a unique experience in an environment known for precision, flexibility, and hospitality.
The project once again demonstrated the role our venue plays as a multifunctional event platform on an international level. Thanks to the committed collaboration of everyone involved, well-thought-out logistics, trusted partnerships, and our extensive event expertise, the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel remains an unforgettable experience.
