Finnair Stadium
History
The stadium was inaugurated in 2000. It has a capacity of 10,770 spectators. Originally the ground had a natural grass pitch, but it was soon replaced with an artificial one because the grass couldn't get enough sun light. Since then the stadium has seen numerous artificial playing surfaces that have been gradually replaced. The most recent artificial pitch was installed in April 2015.
The ground is located next to the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
It is the home stadium of HJK. It hosted the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship as Töölö Stadium.
The stadium was named as one of the stadiums that host the 2009 UEFA Women's Championship. For that tournament, the artificial turf covering the field was temporarily replaced with grass.
In the 2016 domestic league season, tenants HJK Helsinki drew the highest average home attendance (5,101).
On 15 November 2019, Finland national football team managed to qualify to the first major tournament, UEFA Euro 2020, in their history after defeating Liechtenstein 3–0 at this stadium.
The specifications of the stadium
- Field size: 105 × 68 metres (UEFA recommendation)
- Floodlights: 1500 lux
- Capacity of 10,770 spectators, all stands are covered
- A warming system under the pitch
- discussion about expanding to 25,000 seats