Vantaa Arena 3.3 to apply directly to government for funding

Vantaa’s Arena 3.3 project will submit an application for state financial support directly to the government after earlier attempts through ministries failed, project director Pepe Perkiö told Yle.

Previous requests to the ministries of education and culture, finance, and economic affairs were rebuffed, with officials stating no such funding was available. The state has already pledged €35 million to the competing Garden Helsinki project.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo recently said Vantaa could seek support once its project “advances and clarifies.” Perkiö argued the Arena 3.3 plan is already clear, with land secured, financing agreements signed, and a construction permit application filed before the end of February 2026. The arena is set for completion by late 2028.

Perkiö said he invited ministry representatives to a June 11 media event but none attended. He suspects top politicians may lack full awareness of the project’s status.