Gatorade Center

Imagine a massive venue where the sporting and cultural life of one of Northern Europe's oldest cities pulses. Turku Arena, officially known as the Gatorade Center, is a multi-functional indoor complex in the city of Turku, which is rightfully considered one of the main centers of attraction that Finland is famous for.

Turku Arena. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Opened in 1990, the arena impresses with its capacity: during hockey battles, the stands can accommodate up to 11,820 spectators. This place possesses a unique energy, as it is here that the famous TPS hockey club plays its home matches, and the voices of international music stars regularly echo under the hall's vaults.

The facility is located in the Artukainen district and is an important element of the city's infrastructure. As a member of the European Arenas Association, the arena meets the highest international standards, offering visitors comfort, modern technological solutions, and unforgettable experiences from large-scale events.

To check the event schedule or book VIP boxes, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that response times may be longer on the days of major matches or concerts.

The main magnet for visitors here is, without a doubt, ice hockey. Attending a match of the local TPS Turku team is a great way to feel the true Finnish passion for the sport. The speed of the game, the roar of the crowd, and the professionalism of the players create a unique atmosphere that stays in the memory for a long time, even for those who are not sports fans.

Beyond sporting events, Turku Arena transforms into a grand concert venue. Over the years, it has hosted national Eurovision selections and large-scale music festivals, such as Maata Näkyvissä. The complex's infrastructure includes renovated interiors, cozy VIP boxes, and restaurants where you can have dinner before the show starts or discuss the match results.

Interestingly, the building itself conceals a historical context—it was built on the site of the old Artukainen Airport. Walking through the lobbies after recent renovations, you will appreciate the modern design and ease of navigation, making a visit to the arena comfortable for the whole family.

The modern Gatorade Center complex is located in the Artukainen district, approximately 4–5 kilometers from the historic city center. The drive by car takes no more than 10–15 minutes, and for the convenience of visitors, there is a spacious parking lot on-site.

If you prefer public transport, buses run regularly from the city center (the Föli system). On the days of significant hockey matches or major concerts, additional shuttles are often launched to bring fans directly to the main entrance.

For those arriving in the city via the airport, the distance is about 10 kilometers. A taxi or bus ride will take around 20 minutes, making the arena easily accessible even for those who have come to the city for just one evening for a specific event.

The history of this massive structure began with an ambitious project: the Turku Arena was built specifically for the 1991 Ice Hockey World Championships. Interestingly, the foundation of the complex was laid on the site of former runways of the Artukainen Airport, which served aircraft until the mid-1950s.

At the time of its opening in November 1990, the arena—then named the Typhoon Arena—became the first sports facility in the country capable of accommodating more than 10,000 spectators. Over the decades of its existence, the complex has changed several commercial names (Elysée Arena, HK Areena) until it became the Gatorade Center in 2016.

Significant investment in infrastructure—approximately 24.4 million euros during the construction phase and subsequent renovations in 2016–2018—has allowed it to maintain its status as one of the most technologically advanced venues in the region. Today, the building is fully owned by the city and remains the home of the legendary TPS hockey club.

The duration of your visit to the Gatorade Center will depend entirely on the purpose of your trip. If you plan to attend a hockey match or a music show, you should set aside 3 to 4 hours. This time will allow you to pass through security checks calmly, find your seat, and enjoy the atmosphere during breaks.

For those who want to combine the show with a visit to a local restaurant or a VIP box, the ideal option would be to arrive an hour before the start and spend about 5 hours at the arena. If your goal is simply to see the architecture of the complex from the outside and take a few photos, 30–60 minutes will be enough.

The arena operates on a steady schedule, welcoming visitors daily. However, it is important to remember that on match days or during special shows, access inside may be restricted to those holding an entrance ticket for the event.

Standard opening hours:
Monday – Sunday: 06:30 – 22:00

To confirm the start times of specific games or concerts, it is recommended to check the schedule on the complex's official website in advance.

Attending a sporting or cultural event at the arena can be perfectly combined with a visit to other iconic city landmarks. The Artukainen district is somewhat removed from the historic core, but a short transport ride will give you access to outstanding architectural monuments and entertainment centers.