Alisa Vainio's participation boosts ticket sales for Finland-Sweden athletics meet

The upcoming Finland-Sweden athletics match is experiencing a significant boost in ticket sales following the announcement that European champion Alisa Vainio will compete. Vainio, who recently won gold in the marathon, is set to participate in the women's 10,000-meter race at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium.

Harri Aalto, CEO of the Finnish Athletics Federation (SUL), confirmed that Vainio's participation created a noticeable spike in ticket purchases. He compared the effect to a previous announcement about a medal celebration for Vainio and other European Championship medalists, which also positively impacted sales. "Of course, there was a spike. It was the same as when we announced that there would be a celebration for the EM medalists at the Stadium. It certainly showed, and we are very pleased, of course, that Alisa can run at the Stadium," Aalto stated.

Ticket sales for the event are currently comparable to those from 2024, when the match was last held in Helsinki. Aalto emphasized that the federation is still aiming to draw larger crowds to the stadium for the weekend competition, which includes a special celebration for Vainio, Silja Kosonen (hammer throw gold medalist), and Wilma Heltelä (pole vault silver medalist).

The women's 10,000 meters, featuring Vainio, is scheduled for Saturday. The overall Finland-Sweden athletics match will take place over both Saturday and Sunday at the Olympic Stadium.

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Of course, there was a spike. It was the same as when we announced that there would be a celebration for the EM medalists at the Stadium. It certainly showed, and we are very pleased, of course, that Alisa can run at the Stadium.