OPENING OF THE RENEWED OLYMPIC STADIUM
Stadium’s second inauguration
The Helsinki Olympic Stadium’s history has been marked with many great moments. It has brought people together, uplifted post-war Finland’s self-esteem and helped to make Helsinki an attractive place to visit, also by international standards. It is a masterpiece of functionalist architecture, and much more; the renewed and refurbished Stadium now has an even larger offer of feelings to share and experiences to gain.
“The Olympic Stadium crystallises a unique part of our past and embodies memorable moments in Finnish history. I find it inspiring that the heart of the Olympics summer of 1952 is now ready to go on as the venue of the unforgettable moments of both sports and culture. The Stadium is a bold example of functionalist architecture. I am convinced that its architects Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti would be proud and content to examine the results of the refurbishment work now completed. The improvements allow us to make sure that the Stadium is not only a monument of the past but also a part of the most heart-stirring Finnish sports and cultural experience in the future”, Annika Saarikko, Minister of Science and Culture comments on the inauguration.
The Stadium now reopens after an extensive refurbishment and renewal project. The work has been done respecting the original architecture, making sustainable choices and fostering the old, genuine and warm atmosphere. To meet the requirements of today’s national and international events and to serve the Helsinki inhabitants and visitors more comprehensively all year round, the Stadium has been extended by adding a level of underground facilities.
“The Olympic Stadium is one of the iconic sites in Helsinki. The massive renewal is a testimony of the city’s great commitment to holding its history and identity in high regard. In these difficult times, in particular, the great input and focus on events and experiences is important - not only for the entire events industry but for all of us who live in Helsinki. The renewed, modern, function-focused and sustainably refurbished Stadium serves Helsinki in many ways and also contributes to our international attractiveness now and long in the future”, Jan Vapaavuori, Mayor of Helsinki says.
The stellar example of Finnish functionalist style combined with the modern functionalities provides the varied events with a venue for all-around experiences. The refreshed Stadium is also an open meeting point for locals and tourists alike, not only during the events.
“For generations, the Stadium has been the arena of moved spectators with beating hearts. Besides the sports and entertainment experiences of the audiences, the new Stadium makes the Helsinki locals and other Finns move, in the concrete meaning of the word. The new and renewed premises of the Stadium will open a full world of physical exercise where both clubs and individuals can enjoy physical activities in the facilities of the legendary sports venue”, Nasima Ramyar, Chair of the Stadium Foundations adds.
Opening weeks in August and September
The Olympic Stadium is opened and inaugurated a second time on Saturday, 22 August, shown in a direct TV broadcast on channels Nelonen and Ruutu starting at 19.30.
The opening ceremonies are followed by a week of open doors. The Stadium Tower opens on 31 August. All visits during the open doors as well as to the Tower are organised with tickets booked and collected in advance, respecting any eventual instructions issued by the authorities regarding public gatherings. The tickets to the Stadium are available in all Lippupiste points of sale and at www.lippu.fi.
The opening weeks continue all September when the Helsinki inhabitants are welcome to exercise at the Stadium. The track and field area of the Stadium is open to the public from 14 to 19 September, while the Stadium is the venue for Helsinki Liikkuu (Helsinki on the move) from 21 to 24 September. The Stadium events also start during the opening weeks. The first event is the match of the National League (Women's Finnish Football Championship Series) on 19 August. The Stadium is the main venue of the Helsinki Design Week from 11 to 13 September.
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