Corona restrictions end: Public welcome to the World Cup!

On Tuesday, February 15, the Regional Administrative Agency of Eastern Finland canceled restrictions on the number of people at public events in the area of the North Karelia Hospital District.

—The World Cups of the previous two winters have had to be organized in Kontiolahti without an audience. Now the wait is over, and the public will be able to cheer on the athletes after a long time, says event manager Sami Leinonen.

Plenty of room in the stands

However, the Regional Administration Office reminds that safety distances, good hygiene and face masks are still important.

—This is an open-air event where the audience is divided into the A-stand, the VIP stand and the track stand. There will be plenty of space in the stands and thus good opportunities to keep safety distances. When both us organizers and the audience adhere to the authorities' instructions, we can build a safe event, says Leinonen.

Compared to previous public events, some changes have been made.

—Tickets are only sold in advance. There are no traditional ticket sales points at the gates of the event area. The audience tent that was in use before will not be erected this time either, says Leinonen.

Mukiuks and transports coming

Public services are currently being prepared, Leinonen says.

—Free public transportation by bus from the center of Joensuu and Kontiolahti is being prepared. We will be able to tell you about their schedules in the next few days. Similarly, the competition village will have sales and service points of partner companies that are part of the atmosphere. That means fried buns, sausages and other competition food, competition products, coffee and buns will be available.