Finnish biathletes expect a large crowd at their home event: “I remember the warm atmosphere from last season”

Finnish athletes have been successful on a broad front this season, which has also been reflected in ticket sales.

Biathlon continues to attract wide public interest. More than 10 percent of all Olympic tickets were sold for biathlon events. The sport’s international appeal is also evident in the fact that competitors from 28 different countries will be seen in Kontiolahti. In addition to the more familiar biathlon nations, the list of participants includes athletes from Greece, Greenland, and Japan.

If you still haven’t secured your ticket, there is plenty of time to join the excitement on any of the competition days. You can buy tickets online or on-site.

Minkkinen: “Hopefully we can offer some great biathlon entertainment”

The event begins on Thursday with Women’s Individual race. Men’s Individual race takes place on Friday. On Saturday, it’s time for Women’s Mass Start and Men’s Relay, followed by Women’s Relay and Men’s Mass Start on Sunday.

The Finnish team is eagerly looking forward to their home event. Olympic medalist Suvi Minkkinen still has goals in the World Cup, and strong performances in front of a home crowd would help her reach them.

“My goal is to stay in the top three in the Total World Cup. We’ll see how much work that requires. It’s great to race on home tracks in front of a home audience. Apparently a lot of people are coming, so hopefully we can offer some great biathlon entertainment,” Minkkinen says.

Sonja Leinamo feels the same.

“It’s nice to compete at Kontiolahti in front of a home crowd, as I remember how warm the atmosphere was there last season. I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces in the stands and along the track—and especially the final Women’s Relay of the season on Sunday,” Leinamo says.

Of the Finnish men, Olli Hiidensalo’s performance at the Olympics was particularly impressive.

“I’m expecting a big crowd at the home event, since the Olympics went so well. I hope many people will come to North Karelia to cheer us on from the trackside and the stands.”

Versatile Event Park and Fan Zone keep visitors entertained alongside competitions

It’s worth arriving at the venue well in advance, and there’s no need to hurry away right after the races.

Efforts have been made to improve the visitor experience, for example through the Event Park, where more than 20 exhibitors offer a variety of experiences. There is certainly something for everyone, with more program, displays, and sales stands than ever before in the 2020s.

“We also want to offer new things to see and experience so that visitors enjoy spending time at the stadium and around the services,” says Katariina Montti, who is responsible for the Event Park.

For many fans, photos with athletes and their autographs make the best souvenirs. This year, for the first time, visitors can request them at the Fan Zone located inside the public tent.

“People have wished for more opportunities to meet athletes during competition days. Now spectators will find it easier to spot their favorites. There’s also a photo wall on-site,” Montti says.

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Finnish text: Heidi Lehikoinen
English text: Hanna Sairanen