Pitsiturnaus turns Rauma car parks into a summer hockey festival

Rauman Lukko’s Pitsiturnaus ice hockey tournament has turned the area around Äijänsuo ice rink into a festival camp, Yle reports. The 33rd edition sold out in advance, attracting 4,500 people.

Visitors spend time between games in motorhomes, caravans and makeshift camps along the streets and in car parks near the rink. Some people who could not get tickets enjoy the festival atmosphere in the city and around the arena.

Many fans wear the jersey of their favourite team, most commonly that of local club Rauman Lukko. Ville Viljanen attended in an Ässät jersey.

“I am the only one in this group who understands what is good,” Viljanen said.

Katja Suominen, who was attending with the same group, said fans could support their own teams without hostility.

“Everyone fits in here. Ville married into the family, so he is allowed to wear that shirt. In reality, everyone can cheer for their own team in peace,” she said.

Päivi Nieminen-Velasco and Dave Velasco, who wore Jokerit jerseys, compared the car park camping to the carnival atmosphere of the camping fields at Formula One races in Barcelona.

“The atmosphere here is really warm. We arrived yesterday and have talked with Lukko fans in the city and at the camp. It feels great,” they said.

Some visitors return year after year. Maija-Liisa Salo said she had attended the tournament many times and expected more people to join her camp during the evening.

Raimo Mustonen has missed only five of the tournament’s 33 editions because of work. The passionate Lukko fan said a clear victory was always the most important thing, but described the event as a festival where people meet new friends.

Mustonen brought his caravan to the car park on Wednesday, but said it was already crowded and the best places had been taken early.

Joonas Mustonen attended for the first time last year and said he had quickly caught the tournament bug.

“There are lots of familiar faces, and we go from morning until night,” he said.