Hockey Nokia’s arena opens on Friday, but its stand still doesn’t work: “Unfortunately, bouncing and standing still is forbidden”

Tampereen the brand new Nokia arena will open after a long wait on Friday when Tappara and Ilves meet in a hockey league local match.

However, the fully completed modern multi-purpose arena, which cost more than 120 million euros, will not be open at the opening either. Ilves and Tappara announced on Thursday in a joint announcement that the Arena’s Standing Auditorium will not be available at the opening.

The arena is intended to have a feature that will allow some of the seating stands to be converted into standing stands. At the opening, those portions of the auditorium will be seated auditoriums, contrary to what was originally intended.

From the stands President of the corresponding Arvo Piiroinen Oy Mikko Lietzen says the delay is due to the stand currently not meeting the company ‘s requirements.

“The demands have not been met due to problems with the availability of raw materials and components and travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” says Lietzen.

Those who have purchased a ticket to the stands can freely choose a seat in their stand. However, standing in those blocks is prohibited.

“Unfortunately, bouncing and standing still is prohibited in the auditorium until the additional supports required for standing use are completed. This is how we ensure a safe match for everyone, ”the press release states.

Tapparan CEO of the backing company Tamhockey Mika Aro says in a statement that the situation came to them as a “sudden last-minute surprise”.

“Fortunately, however, the seats will be arranged for all viewers. The situation is independent of Tappara, but I apologize for the inconvenience to our supporters,” Aro says.

“We believe that the matter will soon be resolved and that Standing Stands will be available to supporters,” commented Ilves Hockey’s CEO. Risto Jalo.

The Tampere teams will play against each other both on Friday and Saturday. The home team is Tappara.

Helsinki IFK will visit the new Arena for the first time on Saturday, January 29, when it meets Ilves.