Töölö Sports Hall

Töölö Sports Hall (Finnish: Töölön kisahalli, Swedish: Tölö sporthall) is a sports venue located in the Töölö district of Helsinki, Finland. It was designed by Aarne Hytönen and Risto-Veikko Luukkonen[1] and built in 1935 as Messuhalli[2] (Exhibition Hall). It is located near the Olympic Stadium, the Opera House, and the Sonera Stadium.

Töölö Sports Hall
Finnish: Töölön kisahalli
Swedish: Tölö sporthall
Töölö Sports Hall photographed from the tower of the Olympic Stadium (2004)
Former namesMessuhalli
AddressPaavo Nurmen kuja 1c
LocationTaka-Töölö, Helsinki, Finland
Coordinates60°11′00″N 024°55′32″E
Capacity2,000 (seated)
Construction
Built1935
Opened1935
Expanded1952
ArchitectAarne Hytönen
Risto-Veikko Luukkonen
Tenants
Torpan Pojat
Helsinki Seagulls

The hall was originally a venue for concerts, banquets and sporting events, but is now used only for training and competition in various sports.

History

In preparation for the 1952 Summer Olympics the building was expanded on the northern side.[2]

During the Olympics gymnastics, wrestling, boxing and weightlifting events as well as the basketball finals were held at the venue.

In June 1966 the hot pitch used to fix the hall's roof caught fire. The ensuing blaze almost destroyed the whole building but was eventually extinguished with the help of 175 firemen and the army, the latter of which kept the gathered crowds out of the way.[3]

In 1975 the hall was moved to Helsinki city ownership and got its current name.[2] It is the home arena of the basketball team Torpan Pojat and more recently the Helsinki Seagulls men's basketball team.

The hall is listed by Docomomo as a significant example of modern architecture in Finland.[1]

References
  1. "Messuhalli (Töölön kisahalli) – Helsinki Exhibition Hall (Töölö Sports Hall)". Docomomo Suomi Finland ry. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  2. City of Helsinki Sports Department (2008). "Töölö Sports Hall". Archived from the original on 2011-06-11.
  3. Manninen, Antti (21 January 2007). "Helsingin tulipaloista ilmestyi kirja: Satoja paloselostuksia yksissä kansissa vuodesta 1843 alkaen". Helsingin Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 2 February 2012.
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