Riihimäki sports hall reopens for trade fair despite ongoing structural repairs

The Riihimäki sports hall will temporarily reopen this weekend for the international Erämessut trade fair, though repairs to its damaged roof beams remain incomplete, municipal authorities confirmed Tuesday.

The facility was closed in June 2025 after inspectors discovered a critical fracture in a load-bearing laminated timber beam, raising concerns of structural collapse. Following reinforcement work, Riihimäki’s chief building inspector Paavo Vuori stated the hall now meets safety standards for public use—though full operational approval has not yet been granted.

“Safety criteria are satisfied—the beams have been strengthened,” Vuori told Yle, noting that building control conducted a partial final inspection last week. Monitoring devices have been installed on the damaged beam to alert authorities if further movement occurs.

During the event, capacity limits will not apply, but the hall’s spectator stands will remain closed. Organizers expect 20,000–35,000 visitors, with additional exhibitors stationed in the adjacent Urheilupuisto sports park.

The cause of the beam failure remains undetermined. Vuori said the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) is assisting the investigation, with a report expected later. “There’s no standard protocol for this type of repair—we’ve had to develop solutions as we go,” he added, citing the rarity of such structural interventions in Finland.

While the main lobby, café, bowling alley, gyms, and locker rooms reopened last autumn, the ceiling’s lower layer and lighting systems are still under construction. Repairs will resume after the fair.

Riihimäki faces broader infrastructure challenges: the municipal office building *Veturi* has been closed since early May due to similar structural risks.