Key facts
| Address | Paavo Nurmen tie 1, 00250 Helsinki |
| Capacity | 42,062 seats (36,000 after 2019 renovation) |
| Build Date | 1938 |
Description
Helsinki Olympic Stadium is a large multi-purpose stadium which is located around 20 kilometers from Helsinki, Finland. It is Finland’s biggest stadium, which is used for different sports and non-sports events. In 1952, it was chosen for the Olympics Games. In five years, it hosted the first competition between bandy teams. Over the next several years, the ground was used for a range of athletics championships. This is the permanent home of the national football team o the country, which is used for games and training.
The venue was built for 4 years from 1934 to 1938. It was specially constructed for the Olympics Games that were supposed to take place in 1940, which never happened due to WWII. However, the Summer Olympics were held on the ground anyway over than 10 years later. The stadium was renovated from 1990 to 1994, and some improvements were made just before athletics games that took place in 2005.
In 2007, an owl was found to be living in the stadium. It even delayed the beginning of the game for 10 minutes. It was named Bubi, and soon it became Resident of Helsinki of the Year.
Renovation works began at the stadium in 2016, which required it to be closed. They are expected to last for three years, and the reopening of the stadium is planned in 2019.
FAQ
Helsinki Olympic Stadium was officially opened on June 12, 1938. It was originally built to host the 1940 Summer Olympics, which were unfortunately canceled due to World War II. The stadium eventually hosted the 1952 Summer Olympics, putting Helsinki on the global sports map.
The stadium bears the name “Olympic Stadium” because it was purpose-built to host the Olympic Games. Although the 1940 Games were canceled, the stadium retained its name and went on to host the 1952 Summer Olympics, cementing its place in Olympic history.
Following its most recent renovation, completed in 2020, Helsinki Olympic Stadium can now accommodate approximately 36,200 spectators for sporting events. For concerts and other events, the capacity can be extended to around 50,000.
The stadium hosts a wide variety of events. It’s the home venue for the Finland national football team and serves as a venue for major athletics competitions. Additionally, the stadium is used for large-scale concerts, cultural events, and other sports like rugby and American football.
One of the most distinctive features of Helsinki Olympic Stadium is its 72-meter-high tower. This tower offers panoramic views of Helsinki and has become an iconic part of the city’s skyline. The stadium also houses a sports museum, which showcases the rich sporting history of Finland.
