Eurovision 2019: The Hosts

[passionpop]

After winning Eurovision in 2018, Netta declared Eurovision 2019 would be hosted in Jerusalem. a bold declaration, and one that cannot come to fruition.

The discussions for host cities for 2019 have begun and yes Jerusalem is there. Jerusalem does have the biggest enclosed venue available, but it is missing one vital thing, and Airport. 

Eurovision rules require the host country to have a few conveniences like sufficient accommodation for delegations and other visitors. Another requirement is an international airport. 

Jerusalem does not have an international airport and has not have one for a while. The nearest is Ben Gurion International Airport outside of Tel Aviv. This is around 45 minutes drive from Jerusalem and an hour and a half by bus. 

There are two venues in Jerusalem, Teddy Stadium and Pais Arena. Both are right next to each other. They pass the public transport test with a bus station near by and a train about 15 minutes walk away, but there is only one hotel near the arenas. most of the hotels in Jerusalem are on the other side of the city. 

There is no logistical way that Jerusalem can host Eurovision next year and with Tel Aviv withdrawing (the venue proposed was too small anyway), and Beershiba also not having an international airport, the only possible host city is Haifa. 

Haifa would require a large capital investment due to the stadium needing a roof (another requirement of hosting).Sammy Ofer Stadium is about 20 minutes walk from the train station but has buses and Hotels. It is the only logical choice. But then there will be politics

If Israel presents Jerusalem and the EBU rejects it (as it should for the above reasons), then there will probably be the cry that Western Europe does not recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and is forcing Eurovision to Tel Aviv, which it would not be doing as they do not have an available arena big enough. With the fact there are already protests against Israel's hosting (1% of Iceland in 24 hours) it is likely it will be called a conspiracy. The UK and the Netherlands will likely be brought into it as they are the only countries to host when a winning country has rejected hosting Eurovision. 

If Jon Ola Sand has any balls, which he doesn't, he would stand up to any accusations and wait for Israel to offer Haifa as an alternative. if this is not done then the Eurovision must be offered to the highest bidder... but this needs to be Russia. 

If accusations are flying around about Western Europe standing in the way of Israels hosting then Russia has to be the host. They are the only country able to stand up to Israel and America and they will put on a fucking good show, not an austere show like the Netherlands did in 1980. 

There is no politics in Eurovision, all of it is politics. This hosting phase could be the most political ever and I am waiting with the popcorn.