Urheiluareena

Urheiluareena, literally "sports arena" in Finnish, is a term used for indoor arenas designed for sports and large-scale events. In Finland, the designation can refer to a generic facility type as well as to specific venues whose official names include the term Urheiluareena. Such arenas are typically multi-purpose, capable of hosting ice hockey, basketball, floorball, volleyball, badminton, and handball, as well as concerts, exhibitions, and community events.

A standard urheiluareena comprises a main hall with a configurable playing surface, spectator seating, and supporting spaces such as locker rooms, showers, offices, training areas, physical therapy facilities, media rooms, and hospitality spaces. Many facilities feature an ice rink with dasher boards for hockey or skating, and others use sprung wooden or resin floors for court sports. Modern arenas emphasize accessibility, energy efficiency, and modular seating to adapt to different events and capacities.

Management is often municipal or publicly subsidized, sometimes operated by a joint venture or a sports federation. Funding comes from city budgets, user fees, and sponsorships. They serve as hubs for national leagues and regional competitions and may host national team events, school activities, and cultural programming.

While the name Urheiluareena is not unique to a single venue, it is a recognizable designation across Finland for indoor sports facilities. The facilities vary in size, capacity, and scope, reflecting the local community's sporting culture and needs.