Eurovision Glasgow 2023: where will it be held, what are the venue capacities and how to get tickets

Glasgow is officially a finalist in the bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, along with Liverpool.

Traditionally the winner of the contest the previous year hosts the event. However, 2022 winners Ukraine confirmed it would be unable to host the contest due to their ongoing war with Russia.

The UK offered to host the event after coming second in the 2022 contest. The contest was last held in the UK in 1998, when Birmingham was the host city.

According to the Eurovision website, further discussions will now take place with officials from the host city finalists and the successful host city will then be revealed by the BBC and EBU in the Autumn.

Phil Harrold, the chairman of the BBC’s host city selection committee, said: "Thanks to all seven cities across the UK who have demonstrated the enthusiasm and passion for Eurovision that exists right across the UK.

“We were incredibly impressed by the quality and creativity of all the city bids in what was a highly competitive field.

"The Eurovision Song Contest is a very complex event and Liverpool and Glasgow have the strongest overall offer; we will continue our discussions with them to determine the eventual host city.

“We are determined to make the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest one that both reflects the winning position of Ukraine and is also an event that all of the UK can participate in."

Glasgow has been a top contender since the UK was announced as the host country, particularly due to the fact that the film based on the contest Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams was set in Glasgow.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon took to social media in June to voice her support for the 2023 contest being held in Glasgow.

She posted on Twitter: “We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible. However, I can think of a perfect venue on the banks of the River Clyde!! @scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC @EBU_HQ and others.”

Following the exciting announcement all eyes turned to venues that could host the annual event across the city.

So, where could it be held in Glasgow? Here’s a full breakdown of venue capacities across the city.

Where could Eurovision be held in Glasgow?

Glasgow has a number of venues that could fit the bill of requirements to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Here’s a full breakdown including even venues capacity.

The obvious location would be the OVO Hydro Arena which hosts multiple musical acts throughout the year. The venue has a capacity of 14,300.

Most recently Sam Fender broke the record, previously held by Lewis Capaldi, for the biggest indoor event held in Glasgow at the OVO Hydro.

There are many other venues throughout the city suitable for Eurovision such as Hampden Park which is also a popular music venue and has a capacity of 51,866.

Bellahouston Park is also a popular venue that could also host the contest and can hold up to 35,000 people.

What are the requirements for a Eurovision Song Contest venue?

According to the Eurovision website: “A Host City of the Eurovision Song Contest must meet certain criteria.

“The venue should accommodate around 10,000 spectators and the city should be within easy reach of an international airport. The location must also have ample hotel accommodation.”

Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest Jon Ola also said: "You also need a press centre for 1,500 journalists and good facilities there for the delegates. You also need good hotels, in different areas of the city in different price categories."

How to get tickets

No official ticket prices and availability have been announced as of yet.

TheEurovision website states that: “Ticket prices, availability, and even the ticket provider, won’t be decided until there is a confirmed Host City and venue for the shows.”

That’s not all, the BBC will then need to work out how much space is needed for the production inside the chosen venue such as cameras and the stage. All that is dependent on the chosen venue and can’t be confirmed in advance.

Once all that is decided, tickets for nine shows will go on sale:

• Grand Final: Live TV Show [Saturday evening]; Jury Show [Friday evening]; Family Show [Saturday afternoon].
• First Semi-Final: Live TV Show [Tuesday evening]; Jury Show [Monday evening]; Family Show [Tuesday afternoon].
• Second Semi Final: Live TV Show [Thursday evening]; Jury Show [Wednesday evening]; Family Show [Thursday afternoon].