Biel is a Swiss city of 57,000 inhabitants, is located about 90 minutes by train from Basel, Zürich, and Geneva airports, and is home to Tissot Arena which is a multipurpose hockey/football stadium that can be expanded to fit 10,000 people.

Before Eurovision, we asked Nemo on the podcast for their ideal location to host Eurovision, in the event of a Swiss victory. Nemo’s answer was clear – their hometown of Biel! So now that Nemo is bringing the Contest to Switzerland for 2025, we decided to ask mayor Erich Fehr of Nemo’s hometown how possible it is we might see some Eurovision magic in Biel next May!

As Biel decides its options for next May, the international media spotlight on this Swiss city is increasing. Mayor Fehr met with Nemo upon their return from Malmö and was eager to promote the special event Biel is planning for Nemo, set for Monday 17th June.

Mr. Fehr was quick to point out that this will not be a ‘Nemo concert’ by any means, but they might twist Nemo’s arm enough to get a song or two out of them. The event is free to the public, and all citizens of Biel and fans of Nemo are invited to attend!

When it comes to Biel’s chance to host Eurovision 2025, Mr. Fehr was clear that on its own, Biel does not have the hotel capacity to host such a large event. However, given Biel is just 35 kilometers from its Canton’s capital Bern, a city that has the infrastructure to host Eurovision, a joint bid might be possible! When asked if a bid has been submitted, the mayor had this to say:

“We are currently looking into it. I can officially answer this question after 28th June. Then we will know if our plan worked out.”

— Biel’s Mayor Erich Fehr

For more information about Biel’s plans, you can find the transcript of our full chat with Mr. Fehr here.

Would you like to see Bern-Biel host Eurovision 2025? Let us know in the comments and on our social media profiles @buildingbridgespod !

Image: Building Bridges / Pixabay