Tampere’s hockey hype hits new heights at Ice Hockey World Championship
City of Tampere waited for 57 years to land a leading role at IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship after hosting the games first time in 1965. Since then, Tampere has hosted tournaments in supporting roles, and developed into a city of world-class events, who stands tall on its mission to organize the best tournament of all time on May 13-29.
Tampere’s target is ambitious, but understandable, considering the premium event facilities, unparalleled traditions, and a devoted city community helping Finland’s Home of Hockey in its bold aspirations.
The festivities began already on Wednesday 11th of May, with an open-air festival starring players of Team Finland on stage.
Within the past days and weeks, Tampere has celebrated the homecoming of hockey by decorating the city center with a Home of Hockey theme, which local companies and communities have widely adopted.
– This is everyone’s effort. This is the moment the whole city community has been waiting for so long. If there were Oscars for the event cities, our performance at 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship would win by a mile. And a half, says Perttu Pesä, the Director of Major Events at City of Tampere.
Hockey hype in Tampere is at all-time high with local teams Tappara and Ilves winning gold and bronze medals in Finnish league this spring.
Furthermore, the games have taken place at brand-new Nokia Arena, Europe’s leading entertainment venue.
– Tampere has been a true hockey heaven throughout the spring, Atmosphere at Nokia Arena has been amazing, and we will take it to the next level together with our international friends from all over the world, says Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Mayor of Tampere.
Even the ones without the ticket can easily dive into the carnival atmosphere in various parts of the city. Tuomiokirkonkatu serves as an event street for all citizens and visitors, whereas all the games played at Nokia Arena will be shown at the Summer Terrace of Tampere Central Square.
Free-of-charge activity zone next to the Central Square is open for all ages and welcomes families to try different sports activities.
Tampere’s persistent work with major events, sustainability, equality, and smart city development will be the cornerstones of a successful tournament.
City offers free public transport for the game ticket holders and has provided close to 7000 tickets to specified groups, such as senior citizens and school children.
Additionally, the unique smart event security solutions enable visitors to enjoy a smooth event experience during their stay.
On ice, Team Finland has a serious chance of writing history in its home tournament. After winning Olympic gold in Beijing, conquering the World Championship would make Finland the first nation to complete the double on home ice.
Additional information
Perttu Pesä
Director of Major Events
City of Tampere
+358 50 587 6200
perttu.pesa@tampere.fi
Links
Free public transport
Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame
Smart event security
Tickets for specified groups
