Oulu’s long-awaited event arena moves forward with key planning phase

Plans for Oulu’s multi-purpose event arena are accelerating, with construction now set to begin no earlier than 2028, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

A new project company will be established this year to oversee planning, involving the City of Oulu, construction firm SRV, and investment company Trevian. The goal is to secure an arena operator and additional investors alongside the city by the end of 2026.

Project director Karri Oikarinen said the year will be critical for the arena’s timeline and feasibility. “By the end of the year, we should have clarity on the operator, restaurant partners, and who will join the city as co-owners and investors,” he stated. A draft zoning plan for the Raksila arena area is also expected to be completed in 2026.

The city has already allocated €50 million for the project, with initial planning costs—shared between Oulu (€650,000), SRV, and Trevian (€850,000)—now being drawn from that budget. SRV previously built Tampere’s arena, while Trevian revitalised Helsinki’s arena.

A final investment decision is scheduled for late 2027, contingent on securing co-owners, an operator, and long-term users. The Oulu Experience Arena, with a capacity of 9,000 for sports and 11,500 for concerts, is targeted for completion in autumn 2030.