The Grand Final of Eurovision 2022 is 23 days away, whilst the first rehearsals are set to start in just over a week’s time. Here’s everything that’s going on in Turin right now, and information on what the fans can expect at this year’s Eurovision.
Press Room Hosts
More news is coming in today as preparations for Eurovision 2022 are in full swing! It was recently announced that Mario Acampa, Laura Carusino and Carolina di Domenico will host the press room in Turin! Two of the hosts are already known to most Eurofans as Mario and Carolina recently hosted the Semi Final Allocation Draw in January. Additionally, Mario has been Italy’s commentator for Junior Eurovision since 2017 on Rai Gulp, while Carolina will be remembered as Italy’s spokesperson from Eurovision 2021.
As in previous years, the press room hosts welcome the artists and delegations to the press conferences that take place after each rehearsal. They tend to ask a few questions as they welcome the artists and delegations on stage, before allowing further questions from the international media in the hall and online. The trio will also be present for the press conferences that will take place immediately after each Semi Final, giving them the important role of getting each qualifying artist to blindly choose which half of the Grand Final they will perform in.
Turquoise Carpet Hosts
The carpet colour may change, but the “red” carpet is always a fun and lively event to mark the end of the technical rehearsals. Sponsored by Moroccan Oil, this year’s red carpet will be the Turquoise Carpet, the trademark colour of the brand. It has now been confirmed that Mario Acampa and Laura Carusino will also host this event, and they will be joined by Gabriele Corsi and Cristiano Malgioglio! Gabriele was intended to host the Semi Final Allocation Draw with Carolina di Domenico, but was replaced last minute by Mario Acampa due to a positive Covid test.
Organisers have chosen a spectacular location for the Turquoise Carpet this year. It will be held on Sunday 8th May just outside of Turin itself at the Reggia di Venaria – a 17th century palace and gardens listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The event will be broadcast on Eurovision’s official YouTube channel, on RaiPlay in Italy, and broadcast on Rai Radio2.
At The PalaOlimpico
The stage is now very near completion and first rehearsals are set to begin on Saturday 30th April! The stage’s architect Francesca Montinaro also designed the Green Room and has confirmed that the flowers and plants that will be integral to its design have arrived from Tuscany, making this a truly green Green Room! And in case you missed it yesterday, it was made known that Diodato will perform during the Interval Act of Semi Final 1!
Eurovision Village
Some new details have emerged about what to expect in the fan zone, known as Eurovision Village, which is planned for Parco del Valentino, northeast of the arena PalaOlimpico. Construction on the 3 giant screens, the central stage (near the Arch) and the sponsor’s stand will begin on Tuesday. Over one kilometre of barriers will need to be put in place to contain the area, which will have a limit of 17,000 fans who will be able to gain free access to the site.
Fans will also be able to visit the 12 (possibly 14) temporary and permanent kiosks for food and drink that are being installed around the fan zone in the park. According to La Stampa, the final details are being worked out on the kiosks, one has been confirmed to belong to Swiss Dairy. According to the city’s counsellor for commerce, Paolo Chiavarino, “The administration’s effort is to offer an adequate quality gastronomic service to tourists and Turin residents, [while] guaranteeing all services in total safety.”
More tickets and events
Approximately 25,000 tickets have already been sold for the 9 shows at PalaOlimpico, however there are more available, and we are awaiting an announcement very soon on this front. Meanwhile, a series of concerts called “Aspettando Eurovision” [Waiting For Eurovision] will be announced in the coming hours. These mini-concerts are expected to be held across the city between Piazza Vittorio, the Quadrilatero, via Santa Teresa, and San Salvario.
Are you getting excited with about 3 weeks to go until the Grand Final? Let us know what you think of today’s news by leaving a comment below or on our social media @escbubble!
