Here are some practical tips to help getting around in Helsinki, and to make the most out of the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.

Arriving early pays off

Arriving early at the arena helps to beat the crowds and leaves time to get pumped up for the game.
The arena doors will be opened for spectators 1.5 hours before the games. Enough time should be reserved for the entrance, as there will be security checks at the doors. 

As in all big events, dangerous or harmful objects, alcohol, drugs, and noise-making items such as vuvuzelas and clap-hands are not allowed inside or near the arena. Also bags are best left at home or in your hotel as the storage space in very limited inside the arena.  

Hockey Garden, the official fan zone

During the World Championship fans can get in the mood for the game with other hockey fans in Hockey Garden, the 1,400 square metre restaurant and entertainment area to be built outside Hartwall Arena.

On game days, Hockey Garden opens two hours before the first game of the day and the entertainment and activities continue until midnight. All the fans are welcome to enjoy the World Championship atmosphere in Hockey Garden, whether going to the game or not.  


 

Travel easily to the Arena by bus, tram and train

Public transportation is an easy and eco-friendly way to get to the venue. Train is the by far the fastest way to get to the arena when arriving from the centre of Helsinki. All commuter and long-distance trains stop at the Pasila railway station, located less than a 10 minutes’ walk from the arena.

Buses 23 and 69 as well as trams 7A and 7B stop nearby as well. Extra departures will be available for busses leaving from the arena after the games.

On Saturday, May 5, the Helsinki City Run half marathon will cause some extra traffic jams, as approximately 13,000 runners will fill up the streets of Helsinki. 

Tickets still available

To buy individual tickets, please click www.lippu.fi. Although the final games are practically sold out, there are still tickets available for most of the preliminary round games.

Travel packages are sold by Event Travel Finland and hospitality packages can be obtained via Infront Finland.
Sky Box Rental Service offers luxury treatment for those who wish to take the most out of their visit to the World Championship.

Click www.iihfworlds2012.com for more information on tickets
and on the tournament in general.

First time at Hartwall Arena?

Hartwall Arena, the main venue for the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, has hosted the World Championship also in 1997 and in 2003. If this is your first time at the venue, read more about the Arena on the website: www.hartwall-areena.com

Host City Helsinki

Helsinki is the relaxed but active capital of the Republic of Finland. Located in the Baltic Sea it has been influenced by cultures around it, making it the modern city it is today.

Helsinki has over half a million residents. Together with its surrounding cities Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen it is home for 1.3 million people.

Nordic design, nature and technology mixed with old traditions make Helsinki exciting. The old empire style quarters in downtown, museums, galleries and design shops, beautiful parks, and the surrounding isles are just a few examples of things to see and experience in Helsinki.
In 2012 Helsinki celebrates its 200th anniversary as Finland's capital city. During the year, the city will host the IIHF World Championship as well as the European Championship in Athletics. 
www.visithelsinki.fi

Design = extra touch to the games

This year Helsinki is not only the venue for the IIHF World Championship games and other great event - the city is also celebrating its year as World Design Capital.

World Design Capital (WDC) Helsinki 2012 is one of the world’s largest ever expeditions into design. The range of WDC Helsinki 2012 events and projects is very wide: something new begins almost every other day, the busiest months being February, May and September. Events geared toward citizens and tourists make approximately one-third of the program.

Design is also a key part of both ice hockey and major sports events in general. As World Design Capital, Helsinki seeks to show how well the city understands this and how exceptionally well it can manage the organization of such events.

WDC Helsinki 2012 offers a great viewpoint to Helsinki, should you want to report about the city and its activities during the games. Also the connection between design and sports can be highlighted in various ways.
Read more from the WDC Helsinki 2012 at the website: www.wdchelsinki2012.fi