Punkaharju sees record crowds for pesäpallo matches

A small village in Savonlinna has seen an unusual surge in attendance for its local pesäpallo matches, with a new sand-artificial turf field driving interest in the traditional Finnish sport.

Punkaharju Urheilijat, a team competing in the fourth-tier regional league, set a local attendance record in late June when 1,037 spectators turned out for the opening match at the new facility, reports Yle. Since then, home games have drawn around 400 fans—exceptionally high for the league’s lowest division.

Samu Kettunen, 25, the club’s first paid staff member, credits the new field for the spike in interest. Previously, home matches attracted 150–300 spectators, already above average for the division. Kettunen, a player for the senior team and coach of the F-juniors, also manages the club’s social media.

The club launched its first junior team in May, with F-juniors (under-12s) joining the ranks. Local children, including 11-year-old Lauri Lipsanen and 9-year-old Julius Nykänen, have embraced the sport, drawn by its simplicity and teamwork. Adult recreational groups, including women’s and men’s casual leagues, have also formed under Kettunen’s guidance.

The pesäpallo boom has strengthened community spirit, with locals and summer residents filling the stands for home games. While Punkaharju Urheilijat leads its regional division, the club prioritizes youth development and event appeal over promotion to higher leagues.