The city on the Dnipro has big ambitions and no less opportunity for the Song Contest Eurovision 2017. In order to finally adjust all infrastructural facilities about a billion hryvnias is needed. Dnipro is actually the first Ukrainian city, ready to bring a proposal to the central government to co-finance preparations for the competition. The Mayor of Dnipro Borys Filatov stated it during the press conference on July, 15.
The Mayor has stressed – allocation of such a significant sum from the city budget will not affect the citizens. “We have money in the budget. Only currently we have got about 1.4 billion hryvnias of free funds on our accounts. This money can be used by the city on different projects at its discretion. This means that investment in Eurovision will not affect social payments, benefits for health workers or wages,” said Borys Filatov. Dnipro Mayor is confident that investing in infrastructure will contribute to the future of the city and the comfort of its residents.
Borys Filatov says that Dnipro is the heart of Ukraine. This is a phenomenal city that brings together people of different nationalities and faiths. The city is also a powerful cultural centre of Ukraine with unique museums, art traditions and the longest riverside quay in Europe, with the length of almost 30 km. “If we want to consolidate the state, if we want to show Europe and the whole world that our country is different, but at the same time united, our city is the best platform for demonstrating the international community that we have a calm and peaceful life,” is confident the Mayor.
Borys Filatov has also stressed that the city does not have any problems that cannot be resolved. In addition, Dnipro was the venue of multiple events and competitions of the international level, so the city has a vast experience in working with volunteers.
The universal entertainment Sports Palace “Meteor” was selected as the venue of the contest. It can receive about 9.5 thousand spectators. After the reconstruction, which should be completed by March next year, it will be possible to arrange “DniproEuroArena” for 6 thousand places, with a modern press centre for 1,600 journalists. Near the arena there can also be an equipped Euroclub for 3 thousand guests. Eurovision Village can be placed at the Maidan Heroes Square and Festival Pier.
Dnipro has 2 railway stations. The main passenger railway station is situated in the city centre and it is equipped with 12 platforms. The International Airport has 2 terminals. A new terminal and take-off runway are currently under reconstruction. In the future they will serve the international flights, and the old terminal is planned to be used for domestic transport services.
The city has access to 3 roads of international importance and 4 roads of national importance. It is also possible to use waterways. Besides in Dnipro there are 14 tram, 17 trolleybus and 136 bus routes. Underground also works in the city. During the song competition the number of buses and electric transport can be increased, and additional routes and connections between the airport, railway stations, hotels and SC “Meteor” can be provided.
The city has 73 official hotels of different classes. It means there are more than 3.7 thousand places for the Eurovision-2017 guests in Dnipro. According to the city Mayor, the problem of the required number of hostels will be also resolved.
During Eurovision-2017 police officers and security agencies will ensure safety. They will police at the airport and railway stations, in hotels, as well as at the events. The Mayor assures that Dnipro has enough staff for that.
It is to be recalled, the Mayor of Dnipro Borys Filatov was one of the first to announce about the ambitions to host Eurovision 2017. On July, 20 he will speak on the air of the National Television and Radio Company of Ukraine, in the first round of the “City Battle for Eurovision 2017”. Live broadcast is expected at 18.00 from the viewpoint of Taras Shevchenko Park. The Mayor of Dnipro called on all the citizens to come and support their hometown.
Application for the Song Contest Eurovision 2017 of the city on the Dnipro is available here.
