Luola arena opens in Kuopio, aims to attract 300,000 visitors annually

The multi-purpose arena Luola in Kuopio officially opened today. Spanning over 3,500 square meters, the facility includes not only multiple sports halls but also serves as a venue for various events. The city anticipates over 300,000 visitors annually. Additionally, Luola is designed to serve as a shelter for up to 7,000 people.

The site holds historical significance, as it once housed a cave where thousands of military firearms were maintained, ranging from handguns to assault rifles. Now, it is a center for health and fitness. The project faced multiple challenges since Kuopio acquired the cave system from the military in 2014. Originally budgeted at 20 million euros, costs soared to over 50 million euros over the past decade. The city’s audit committee has been investigating the reasons behind this budget increase, attributing it to inadequate decision-making information, project expansion, and rising costs due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

On opening day, volleyball players from the Kuopio Sports Academy were the first to test the new facilities. Player Nella Tolvanen shared her excitement, stating, “The spaces are really spacious. Previously, we trained in school gyms, and hopefully now we can play international games here.”

The city has promoted Luola as a hub for “smart mobility,” encouraging visitors to use public transport, bicycles, and carpooling. This initiative is reflected in the limited parking available—just three thirty-minute spaces in front of the arena—compared to 150 spots for bicycles, promoting eco-friendly transportation options.