Nokia Arena opening

The Nokia Arena was opened in December 2021 with an elegant invited guest event and a sold-out concert

Nokia Arena showed its world-class nature and multifunctional abilities already at the opening evening, transforming from an invited guest event of 500 people to a full house opening concert of 15 000 spectators.

The atmosphere in invited guest event was as bubbly as the sparkling wine in guests’ glasses. At the ground floor of the bowl, savory cocktail snacks were served in the buffet. Near the stage, standing tables invited guests to socialize and follow the program on stage. The event was hosted by journalist Milla Madetoja and actor Lari Halme in a relaxed but professional style. Speeches were heard from Markku Mäkiaho, COB of the Nokia Arena, Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Mayor of Tampere, Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia, Marko Hurme, CEO of Nokia Arena, and the Architect Daniel Libeskind.

“The guests were clearly enjoying the event. The atmosphere was relaxed and entertaining but elegant, just like we wanted. It was a historical evening and event, as was heard in many of the speeches”, says Taija Holm, CEO of ProPromotion, that was responsible for the practical arrangements of the event.

The evening’s show was opened by Sori Circus and Takomo drum ensemble. The huge media cube and smaller cube screens built for the event gave an extra special visual treat for the audience as a part of the acrobatic show and the musical experience. The legendary Eppu Normaali together with Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra and pianist Iiro Rantala kept the audience singing throughout the concert. The ribbon screens circling around the arena bowl gave that extra world-class touch to the visuals.

“The historic opening event was truly wonderful and successful. This was the best possible way to start the story of the very own arena of Tampere City and its people. Thank you to everyone who took part in the arrangements and to the staff of the evening”, says Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Mayor of Tampere.

“This was the best possible way to start the story of the very own arena of Tampere City and its people.”

Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Mayor of Tampere.

Photos: Miikka Varila