New sports and event center “Luola” to open in Savilahti, Kuopio in 2024

A new sports and event center named “Luola” will open in Savilahti, Kuopio, on August 14, 2024. This facility will close the doors of smaller caves previously used by local sports clubs in the area, specifically in the Puijonlaakso caves on Suurmäentie and Sammakkolampi. The new center, built in a former military cave network, features spaces for martial arts, a wrestling hall, a gym, a dance studio, and a 3,500-square-meter multipurpose hall. It will also serve as a civil defense shelter for 7,000 residents. The project has cost the city around €50 million, with construction beginning in 2021 after the caves were acquired by the city in 2014.

Following the opening, the caves on Suurmäentie and Sammakkolampi will exclusively be used as civil defense shelters, with renovations planned in the coming years. Currently, five sports clubs focused on strength and combat sports operate in Suurmäentie, while Sammakkolampi houses a wrestling club and other tenants, including an aviation association. The transition to the new facility is expected to increase costs for these clubs, which will be reflected in participation fees going forward.

The Kuopio Riento boxing club, which has practiced in Suurmäentie for over 50 years, expresses mixed feelings about the move. They appreciate the new, modern facilities but are concerned about reduced space for boxing practice. Rental costs for the new facility are significantly higher than before, leading clubs like Kuopio Kisa-Veikot to consider raising fees and exploring fundraising options to offset the increased expenses.