Tickets for Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, sold out in just seven minutes during the first phase of sales, highlighting the growing music tourism trend.
With demand far exceeding availability, thousands of fans are now looking for alternative ways to experience the world’s most-watched music competition.
Massive Demand for Eurovision 2025 Tickets
The first batch of 42,000 tickets for the semi-finals and grand final went on sale at 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday, only to be snapped up within minutes. This year, Eurovision is expected to host around 60,000 attendees, making tickets incredibly scarce.
Swiss broadcaster SSR SSG, the event’s organizer, confirmed that over 500,000 accounts had registered for ticket access, including a significant number of bots and duplicate accounts. With such overwhelming demand, the next ticket sales phase in February is expected to be just as competitive.
Alternative Ways to Experience Eurovision 2025
For fans unable to secure tickets, organizers have introduced “Arena Plus”, a nearby fan zone with giant screens where up to 36,000 spectators can gather to enjoy the event. This initiative aims to ensure that more fans can soak in the Eurovision atmosphere even if they can’t enter the St. Jakobshalle, the 12,000-seat venue hosting the event.
Basel is already preparing for an influx of music tourists, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses expecting a surge in bookings ahead of the semi-finals on May 13 and 15 and the final on May 17.
Eurovision’s Growing Influence on Music Tourism
The success of Eurovision ticket sales underscores a larger trend in music tourism, where travelers plan trips specifically around major music events. Cities hosting the contest often experience a significant economic boost, with thousands of visitors spending on accommodation, dining, transport, and entertainment.
Eurovision’s impact on Basel’s music tourism aligns with the global growth of the industry. Events like Coachella, Glastonbury, and Tomorrowland have already demonstrated how music festivals drive international travel. For a deeper dive into this fast-growing trend, check out our recent article on global music tourism and its economic impact.
What’s Next for Eurovision 2025?
The 69th edition of Eurovision will feature 37 competing countries, with Montenegro returning after a two-year break and Moldova withdrawing due to budget concerns. Meanwhile, Russia remains banned from participation, and Israel’s presence remains controversial amid political tensions.
With the final phase of ticket sales approaching, anticipation is at an all-time high. Fans eager to attend should keep a close eye on official updates for the next opportunity to secure their place in Basel’s biggest music event of the year.
