Lisbon is a real centre for conventions nowadays so I think they'll have no problems. The MEO Arena is one of the biggest, and best, in Europe.
I agree, as mentioned in the main EV thread, I'm in Lisbon now on a holiday, I think they'll be fine. Along with the Benfica gig that was 400 yards from our hotel ( I can hear the bottles and cans being swept up right now !) the Pope is up the road in Fatima for a visit. Quite a weekend for them !
They know what they have to do and people in Portugal say that they are good with special events like Eurovision. Apparently they have asked their government for a loan as well and can ask for assistance as I understand it from the Big 5 if needed , as well.
One thing Portuguese TV does fairly well is live event television. All of the main channels broadcast live music shows on location for several hours every Sunday. They love a party and have their own personality. It'll be great, regardless of budget issues!
I suspect that the dates will be in the last week of May, The Portuguese authorities will want the Primeira Liga done and dusted before they have to contend with the ESC That always drags into the third week of May.
I feel that the lack of provisional dates is due to the concerns that Kiev could have failed to complete their task and as a result no discussion time was available to move forward. So my guess would be 29/31 May/ 02 Jun. The UEFA CL 2018 final being on the most obvious date 26th May,
It's World Cup year and in 2014 the Primeria Liga finished on the 11th May, so I'd say the 19th May is more likely than June.
Yes. It will not go into June, that would be by far the latest date for the contest ever. There was a list of possible dates published yesterday and the second week in May still seemed the preferred date due to various broadcasting conflicts (German football final on 19 May for instance).