Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre has decided to invest in a new 5,000-seat grandstand system, which will significantly enhance the flexibility of the largest halls and enable better event customisation. This investment will serve the entire Helsinki area, filling a significant gap in the selection of venues for congresses, corporate events, sports events, and other similar events in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
The upgrade will introduce approximately 5,000 seats in 12 flexible, movable automatic grandstands. When these large grandstands are combined with the existing seating and the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s 2,500 detachable chairs, the result will be a seating capacity of up to 6,500–7,500.
The procurement is currently in the competitive bidding phase. The total budget, including AV investments, is approximately 6 million euros. The grandstands and new technology are expected to be available by September 2025.
Halls can be transformed into a technologically advanced Messukeskus Arena
The grandstand system will significantly enhance the functionality of the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s largest halls: 6 and 7. Using the seating system, the largest halls can be transformed into a unified Messukeskus Arena, seamlessly integrating the large grandstand capacity with the extensive exhibition spaces and the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s excellent services.
This opens up new opportunities for combining exhibitions with significant, program-focused events that attract substantial audiences. The grandstands can also be used flexibly, one section at a time, providing adaptability for various customer needs.
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is also investing in the halls’ lighting and sound technology. The sound system will be enhanced to support arena productions, including concerts. Hall 7 will feature high-quality LED lighting with adjustable intensity and colour temperature, allowing for better service for TV productions, among other uses.
“The grandstand acquisition will make the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre an even more attractive event venue. The grandstands can be used for large corporate events, shareholder meetings, seminars, sports and gaming events, galas, shows, and congresses. Many of our current clients, such as the Helsinki International Horse Show, will also benefit from the new grandstands,” says Marcus Bergström, Business Director of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Events & Congresses.
The new grandstands will be ordered as automatically opening and foldable units. During use, the grandstands will be moved into place with the help of a transport machine. Advantages include space-saving storage and quick setup time compared to traditional scaffold grandstands. The steel-framed units are retractable and will be stored along the walls of the halls, where they will not take up exhibition space or disrupt activities.
“Soon, we will be able to offer a representative and technologically advanced arena for even large-scale events. This will promote various types of tourism to Helsinki, which is seen in Finland as an ideal location for major international events due to its accessibility and services. We have carefully developed the plan by listening to those clients who will benefit from our investment,” says Anni Vepsäläinen, CEO of the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
