Friday, July 12, 2013

Helsinki Olympic Stadium



The Helsinki Olympic Stadium located in the Töölö district about 2 kilometres from the center of the Finnish capital Helsinki, is the largest stadium in the country, nowadays mainly used for hosting sports events and big concerts. The stadium is best known for being the center of activities in the 1952 Summer Olympics. It was built however to host the 1940 Summer Olympics, which were moved from Tokyo to Helsinki before being cancelled due to World War II. The stadium was also the venue for the first World Athletics Championships in 1983 as well as for the 2005 World Championships in Athletics. It hosted both the 1971 European Athletics Championships and the European Athletics Championships in 1994. It is also the home stadium of the Finland national football team.

The tower of the stadium, a distinct landmark with a height of 72.71 meters taken from gold-medal winning result of Matti Järvinen in javelin throw of 1932 Summer Olympics, it's open for visitors and offers impressive views over Helsinki. It is possible to see into the adjacent Sonera Stadium.

Since March 2007, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl has been spotted living in and around the stadium. On June 6, 2007, during a Euro 2008 qualifying match, the owl delayed play by ten minutes after perching on a goalpost. The owl was later christened Bubi and was named as Helsinki's Resident of the Year.

Kiitos Sini!

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