ISRAEL – According to local press, Haaretz, it seems that we are going to Tel Aviv next year. Despite the original denial of the city to host the event it seems that what we all dreamed is about to become true if we believe the local newspaper.
Tel Aviv and its arena, Pavillion 2 (capacity of about 10,000 auditors) is front runner in the host city bidding race. The interesting thing coming out of the report by Haaretz is that Jerusalem withdraws from the bidding process and will not apply for the hosting job despite the KAN invitation.
A Finance Ministry official has told the news outlet that Tel Aviv will host the contest. To us at oikotimes.com Tel Aviv is not a surprise no matter what. The international promo through the huge tourist campaigns on international press and media, the huge attraction of Tel Aviv Pride every year in the LGBT community and the absolutely successful hosting of the Israel Calling party, never let any doubt us that the city will host the event (eventually).
The Pavilion 2 choice was not really expected as the original thought was for Menora Mevtachim Arena. The ever-evolving world of events and exhibitions together with the desire to herald innovation and have combined to form one of the most impressive and complex ventures today – Pavilion 2, which cost around 350 million NIS to build. A smart, versatile space, the only one of its kind in the Middle East, which allows literally every dream to come true.
The pavilion stretches across 50,000 Sq m and rises to a height of 20 meters without the use of pillars. The central space can be divided using acoustic partitions that have been developed specifically for this project, which can accommodate a number of events simultaneously and in perfect harmony and with unparalleled sound quality. The innovative and steadfast floor foundations allow trucks to reach all the way to the other side; its ceiling pillars can withstand extremely heavy loads which will allow exhibitions at a standard never before seen in Israel.
Pavilion 2 can host standing room-only events on an exceptionally large scale, grandstand performances which provide quality vantage points from any point in the pavilion, interactive exhibitions, exhibitions which require advanced logistics and technologies, large scale stage performances, circuses, mass examinations and extraordinary parties, alongside exclusive boutique events with uniquely complex technical specifications. In addition to the one-of-a-kind central space, Pavilion 2 also offers 2 luxurious state-of-the-art convention halls, a magnificent roof overlooking Tel Aviv which can accommodate open air events, a splendid entrance lobby, conference rooms, underground parking and a cafeteria.
In the meantime international criticism over potential hosting by Jerusalem despite the huge political support seems to have logistics problems. Pais Arena is used by the Ice Hokey team who’s not willing to give up their games planned for next season while the other option, Teddy Stadium, lacks of one of the top criteria for hosting the event: a roof! The same problem applies for Haifa, a city which also seems to be a problematic host city bid as Sammy Ofer Stadium will also need a roof. Eilat is definitely out of the picture as there is no suitable venue to host the event and it’s too far from the nearest international airport.
