English Terms on Pesäpallo Event Map Spark Fan Debate

English terms appearing on the event map for Finland's national sport, Pesäpallo, have stirred discussion on social media. The traditional Itä–Länsi event, scheduled for Vimpeli, features English labels like "Drop off," "Fanzone," "Kidszone," "Golden area," and "Gold-katsomo" on its area map.

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We talk about our national sport and national game. Our communication principle is to use Finnish and generally avoid foreign words.

This has led some fans to question the prominent use of English at an event celebrating a national pastime. Olli Aro, CEO of Superpesis, clarified that the English names were incorporated due to the construction of a larger event area for this year's Itä–Länsi. The central feature is a free fan zone, commonly known by its English term "Fanzone" in sports events.

Aro stressed that this does not signify a shift in Superpesis's communication strategy. "We talk about our national sport and national game. Our communication principle is to use Finnish and generally avoid foreign words," Aro stated. He added that Finnish or local dialect names were not used this time, and English terms are not expected to become a standard in Superpesis's future communications. "As a national game, we want to hold onto our Finnishness. That is a value in itself," Aro said.

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As a national game, we want to hold onto our Finnishness. That is a value in itself.

He also highlighted that the Fanzone offers a way for attendees to enjoy game days without a ticket. "You can watch sold-out games for free there. I think that's a pretty great thing," Aro noted. The Itä–Länsi is Pesäpallo's traditional all-star event, pitting East against West teams in men's, women's, and youth matches. This year's event in Vimpeli takes place on July 17-18.

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You can watch sold-out games for free there. I think that's a pretty great thing.