Two major arena projects advance in Vantaa, developers deny competition

Two large-scale arena developments in Vantaa are moving forward this week, with backers insisting the projects will not compete despite their proximity, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The long-planned Kivistö Arena 3.3 will announce its financing partners at a press conference on Thursday. The 20,000-capacity venue, billed as Finland’s largest indoor event arena, has an estimated cost of over €200 million and includes a 310-room hotel. Site preparation is already underway, and the developer submitted a €1 million security deposit to the city earlier this year for land lease and project guarantees. Project leader Pepe Perkiö confirmed the funding details will be disclosed this week after years of speculation.

Meanwhile, the newly unveiled Aviapolis Live complex has applied for zoning reservations from the city for a site in the Muura district, less than six kilometres from Kivistö. The €170–270 million project includes a 5,000-seat event arena, ice rinks, tennis courts, and potentially a swimming pool, alongside senior housing and a hotel. CEO Jarkko Sistonen, who also leads the Elmo sports centre development in Asola, described it as a response to Vantaa’s shortage of sports facilities. Funding will come from European sources, though specifics depend on operator partnerships.

Both developers dismissed concerns about competition. Sistonen called the projects “completely different in scale,” while Perkiö noted their divergent timelines: Arena 3.3 aims to open next year, whereas Aviapolis Live targets a late 2027 construction start. The city’s urban environment committee will review Aviapolis Live’s zoning request on Wednesday.