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Helsinki’s largest Arena to reopen as Veikkaus Arena
July3
One of Finlands largest indoor arena is set to reopen this autumn under a new name — Veikkaus Arena — following a ten-year naming rights agreement between state-owned gambling operator Veikkaus and Live Nation Finland, the venue’s events partner.
Previously known as Hartwall Arena, the 15,500-capacity venue has been closed since 2022. The name change follows the departure of Russian owners after international sanctions were imposed in response to the war in Ukraine.
In spring 2024, Finnish real estate investment firm Trevian Kasvu acquired the venue from sanctioned Russian oligarchs Boris Rotenberg and Gennady Timchenko.
The refurbished venue will focus primarily on concerts and cultural events, with plans to become one of the leading tour stops in the Nordics.
Tom Lynch, Live Nation president of venues EMEA: “Reopening the arena and partnering with Veikkaus represents a pivotal moment for the venue landscape in the Nordic region. Veikkaus Arena is poised to attract top-tier international tours, further cementing the strength of Finland’s live music scene.”.
The new name was unveiled this week in a staged reveal, with a large black sheet covering the arena’s facade. A temporary banner bearing the Veikkaus Arena name was installed shortly after. The permanent logo has not yet been mounted.
Although Hartwall has ended its naming sponsorship, the beverage company will continue supplying food and drink at the venue. Live Nation is in talks with other potential partners in sectors including banking, automotive, confectionery, and coffee.
The reopening was originally slated for early summer but was delayed due to renovations and extended staff training. Veikkaus Arena is now scheduled to open in September 2025.
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