Finland’s largest shooting centre stalls despite millions in state funding
Finland’s biggest planned shooting sports facility, Ruutikangas in Liminka, has received over €2 million in state subsidies but remains unfinished and currently inactive, Yle reports. Authorities are now searching for a new operator to resume shooting activities before summer.
Construction delays and financial struggles
The 93-hectare Ruutikangas Shooting Centre, located near Oulu, was intended to be Europe’s largest facility of its kind when construction began in 2019. Originally slated for completion by 2025, the project remains unfinished despite state funding, including a €1 million grant in 2024 and additional “Christmas gift” funds in late 2023.
Financial troubles deepened after the centre lost its bid to host the 2027 European Shooting Championships. The European Shooting Confederation (ESC) revoked the event last August, citing delays in construction. Ruutikunnat Oy, the company managing the site, reported a €211,000 loss in 2024, with high annual operating costs and no revenue from shooting activities.
Operational halt and legal disputes
Shooting at Ruutikangas ground to a halt after Oulu Region Shooting Sports Centre, the previous operator, terminated its lease agreement over disputed rental fees. Without an active operator, the facility generates no income from range usage.
Jarkko Koskela, CEO of Ruutikunnat Oy, confirmed efforts to secure a new partner within a 100-kilometre radius: “We are initiating discussions with all Oulu-area shooting clubs to find a new organiser—or organisers—for the activities.”
Adding to the challenges, former CEO Timo Haataja is suing Ruutikangas Oy for nearly €200,000 in unpaid wages, a claim the company disputes. The case is set for Oulu District Court in May.
Future plans and smaller competitions
Construction continues on new functional ranges designed for sector shooting—allowing 180-degree target engagement—primarily for police and border guard training. Koskela noted that traditional straight-line ranges no longer meet modern training needs.
While the loss of the 2027 championships was a setback, Koskela emphasised that smaller competitions are already scheduled for next summer. The centre is jointly owned by the cities of Oulu and Raahe and the municipalities of Liminka and Lumijoki.