Garden Helsinki proponent demands positive coverage, argues for new mega-arena

Ilkka Kilpimaa, CEO of Projekti GH, the company behind the Garden Helsinki project, has voiced frustration over what he perceives as a lack of positive media attention for the proposed 20,000-seat arena. Kilpimaa published a lengthy statement on Facebook, criticizing the predominantly negative or neutral tone of hundreds of articles written about the project in recent weeks. He suggested this negativity might be linked to the approaching elections, where political positioning is key.

Kilpimaa stressed that his commentary is personal, not an official stance of Projekti GH. He argues that Helsinki and Finland currently lag behind Scandinavian counterparts in attracting major international concerts and sporting events due to insufficient venue capacity. He pointed to Stockholm's Avicii Arena and Copenhagen's Royal Arena, both with capacities around 16,000, noting that a 20,000-seat Garden Helsinki would offer a 25% greater ticket sales potential.

He envisions Garden Helsinki as Finland's premier arena, capable of hosting the biggest international acts. "A top-tier artist will not choose a second-tier arena if a first-tier arena is available," Kilpimaa stated. He also addressed the future of the Helsinki Ice Hall (Nordis), a 60-year-old venue. Kilpimaa acknowledged its cultural significance but highlighted its technical obsolescence and ongoing repair costs. He proposed that renovating Nordis, estimated at 50 million euros, is part of the overall Garden Helsinki project. The upgraded Nordis would then host smaller events and support major competitions.

Kilpimaa believes the new arena would generate nearly double the ticket revenue compared to current 11,000-capacity venues. He suggested that Finland could potentially host major sporting events annually with adequate facilities. He emphasized the critical role of funding in realizing the project, with a potential final decision expected in December. "If Garden does not materialize, it is worth stating aloud what Helsinki and Finland will lose," he concluded, underscoring the potential economic and cultural benefits at stake.