Approximately 250 people work in and around the OAKA Olympic Indoor Hall these days to make all neccesary preparations for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. Most of them will continue working during the Orthodox Easter holidays, this weekend, to make sure ERT stays ahead of schedule!
Ahead of schedule
Where the organisers of the 2004 Summer Olympics were critisized for their 'last-minute approach', ERT is still ahead of schedule in their preparations for the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest. Rigging and the implacement of ceiling equipment started on 21st of March already, stage construction can start any moment. The first elements of the stage construction already arrived at the venue.
Security
With more and more people involved, security measures are being put in place as well. Although security is one of the main priorities and will definitely be tight, it is expected that security will be a lot more friendly compared to security measures in Kyiv. Last year, journalists had to pass several checkpoints on their route from the press centre to the venue, some being checked more than 30 times a day.
Dressing the city
In the upcoming weeks, the stage will be finished and the last details on the show will be finalised to make sure everything is in place on 11th May, the first rehearsal day. As in previous years, important spots and roads in Athens will be 'dressed' with banners to welcome visitors to the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest city. Athens, here we come!
UPDATE: Stage animation photo added.
Esctoday.com will cover the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest live from Athens between 8th and 22nd May. A number of 8 experienced esctoday.com editors ánd the teams of EuroJoint partners Oikotimes.com and EurovIL will cover press conferences, rehearsals, parties, special events and more to give you the ultimate Eurovision Song Contest experience, wherever you are, as if you are present live!
