There are still tickets available for the Lions’ games.
Last spring, Sakari Manninen celebrated the World Championship gold in the Nokia Arena. PETRI SAARELAINEN / AOP
There are 71 days until the start of the home games, which means that in Tampere it will be May 12, when Finland meets the United States.
A year ago, there were threatening images over the games. The Omikron variety was played in different parts of the world and Russia attacked Ukraine a good two months before the start of the tournament.
Now the overall situation looks calmer.
– Every time the tournament is organized, security threats and risks are carefully reviewed with the authorities. Security issues are always taken care of, and last year they were even sharpened because they were such topical issues, the general secretary Heikki Hietanen says.
No acute threat
This year, the threat of the corona virus is basically gone. Russia’s war of aggression continues, but there is no acute threat in this direction.
– These things are always prepared with the rescue service and the police. The IIHF has its own procedure for security issues at every tournament. Of course, these issues have been taken into account before, Hietanen continues.
A year ago, the organizers had to change a lot of things when, for example, the Hartwall arena was closed and the games of the Helsinki section were quickly moved to the Helsinki ice hall, i.e. “Nordis”.
Russia and Belarus were correctly excluded from the tournament.
– Thanks to the organization for last spring, that we were able to implement a new plan in Helsinki in 70 days. Now we are well on schedule with the arrangements and we are working closely with Latvia, says Hietanen.
There are tickets
According to Heikki Hietanen, general secretary of the Ice Hockey World Cup, the arrangements for the May tournament are well on schedule. Tickets are still available for the Lions’ games as well. KIMMO BRANDT / AOP
Ticket sales for the games in Tampere are going well.
– Of the Lions’ matches, the USA and Sweden games are already fully booked.
But it is still possible to see the Lions on site.
– For example, there are scattered places left for the Germany and Austria games. But you should hurry. Of course, a little before the tournament, a small number of tickets will also be released from a different quota for games in Finland.
Moderate prices
Tickets for the cheapest categories have already gone to all games in Finland.
– For example, tickets for the important game against Denmark on May 23 cost 91 euros at their lowest price. The cheapest price to get to the France match is 71 euros, says Hietanen
You can get to the game between the USA and Sweden for 44 euros.
– We also want people to other games than the Lions. We want an atmosphere in the hall, says Hietanen.
International Tampere
With the corona situation easing, the organizers of the Finnish group have now been able to market the tournament more strongly abroad.
– We have cooperated with the associations and media of other participating countries. A lot of people come to Tampere from Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Hungary. There will be less from the USA and France.
– Especially in Hungary, it feels like there is a boom going on, when the country plays in the A series after a break of many years. Tampere will be international in May, Hietanen assures.
The second group of the games will be played in Riga.