FINLAND’S LEGENDARY EVENT ARENA IS BACK

PHOTOS: STADION-SÄÄTIÖ/WELLU HÄMÄLÄINEN

From the 72-meter-high tower of the Olympic Stadium, you can admire Helsinki from a unique vantage point.

Part of history, a national symbol and a stage for modern events. The Helsinki Olympic Stadium, which has reopened its doors, impresses with its versatility.

TEXT: MARI KORHONEN

The Helsinki Olympic Stadium will finally be able to shine after a unique world-class renovation. During the renewal, which was completed in August 2020, the operating capacity of the nationally protected site was expanded so that Finland now has the long-needed facilities for organising international outdoor events and major concerts. At the same time, the architecturally recognised Olympic Stadium, which has been dubbed the most beautiful in the world, has gained at least half a century more life on its 84-year journey. “In 2015, the stadium was in such poor condition that renovation was the only option in terms of business continuity,” says Ari Kuokkanen, the director of the Olympic Stadium. “The site, protected by the Building Act, set its own conditions for the renovation and honouring the architecture style was prioritised. In addition, new facilities were built and practically another stadium was created underground. As a result, the historic site received 19,000 square meters of additional firstclass capacity.” The historic milieu in its renewed form opens new avenues. In addition to concerts and sporting events, the Olympic Stadium is a training facility for ordinary citizen athletes from junior amateurs to senior professionals. It also has more than 3,000 square metres of office space for corporate tenants, a convention and corporate event centre for groups ranging from dozens to thousands of people, and a nationally and internationally important tourist destination.

A peek under the surface and over the roofs of Helsinki

The year 2022 will be memorable for the Olympic Stadium. After the renovation, the stadium will be able to open to its full potential without the pandemic restrictions, just in time for the 70th Anniversary of the Helsinki Olympics. The ambience of the stadium reflects the anniversary festivities, from casual visits to major events.

“The anniversary year can be celebrated, among other things, with guided stadium tours, where you can get a glimpse into the history of a nationally and internationally significant site as well as witnessing a modern, functional stadium,” says Kuokkanen. “As part of the tour, you can also visit the renovated Sports Museum, which embodies the spirit of national sports and exercise. The tours are also rewarding for the locals, as not everything is visible on a first look.” From the 72-meter-high tower of the Olympic Stadium, you can admire Helsinki from a unique vantage point. “From high in the air Helsinki’s urban landscape appears in all its beauty, surrounded by the Baltic Sea,” Kuokkanen describes the experience from the stadium’s famous architecture.

Boosting millions to the regional economy

The renovation of the Olympic Stadium is significant not only culturally but also economically. Prior to the remodel, the annual regional economic impact of the renovated stadium was estimated to be EUR 80 million, but now it appears the forecast was too conservative. “With a target of one million visitors, the regional economic impact will be closer to EUR 100 million annually,” says a smiling Kuokkanen. “During last year’s exceptional circumstances, already a quarter of the target visitors were reached without any events, so the estimates seem realistic.” People in Finland and visitors from around the world are interested in the renovated Olympic Stadium. If you would like to see how such a national icon was updated to meet modern requirements without sacrificing its historic character, come visit stadion.fi, or better yet, come experience the stadium in person!