Demolition begins on Gnistan’s stadium in Oulunkylä following July fire

Today, demolition work began on Gnistan’s home stadium in Oulunkylä, which was severely damaged by a fire in July. The fire destroyed the primary grandstand, office areas, and changing rooms of the team competing in Veikkausliiga, Finland’s top football league. Earlier this spring, players and volunteers dedicated countless hours to prepare the stadium for the season. Despite the painful task of dismantling what was lost, CEO Ilkka Vanala emphasizes the need to look ahead, noting, “It makes one reflect on how everything can change in an instant.”

The financial damages from the fire are estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of euros, but fortunately, Gnistan has garnered donations to aid recovery. Vanala remarked, “There’s no price for emotional value. A hundred years of history went up in flames.”

Looking to the future, Vanala expressed the intention to resume hosting Veikkausliiga matches in Oulunkylä next season. The primary goal now is to restore the grandstands and changing facilities for field use. The challenges faced have even fostered a stronger sense of community among fans and locals, with Vanala noting, “Everyone wants to show that we will rise stronger.”

Gnistan is also planning for a larger stadium in the long term, which would meet UEFA standards for international matches. Discussions regarding this new stadium were underway with the city prior to the fire. Vanala envisions the stadium serving as a home for North Helsinki football, not just for Gnistan but also for potential European competitions involving women’s teams. The plan is to construct this larger stadium on the site of the adjacent field, balancing efficient land use with ample space for athletic activities, though Vanala estimates it may take several years to complete.