Arenas Europe Adds Two New Members From The Nordics

Arenas Europe has added two major Nordic venues to its membership, Veikkaus Arena Helsinki in Finland, and Royal Arena Copenhagen in Denmark.

“The new members strengthen Arenas Europe’s representation across Northern Europe and add two important capital-city arenas to a network committed to collaboration, professional development and a stronger collective voice for the industry,” according to the press announcement.

Veikkaus Arena, formerly Helsinki Halli, rejoins the association after a three-year absence. Operated by Live Nation, Finland’s largest event arena was fully renovated in 2025 and has a capacity of up to 15,500 guests. Located in Pasila, Helsinki, the arena hosts around 100 major live events each year, including concerts, sport, family entertainment and international championships.

See: Helsinki Halli Finland Renamed Veikkaus Arena

Royal Arena Copenhagen joins Arenas Europe as one of Denmark’s leading multi-purpose venues. Opened in 2017, the arena has a capacity of up to 17,000 guests for concerts and cultural events and up to 12,500 for sporting events. Designed by Danish architectural firm 3XN, the venue has established itself as a major destination for international artists, sporting fixtures and large-scale cultural events.

The announcement follows a year of significant development for Arenas Europe, which rebranded from the European Arenas Association earlier this year.

Arenas Europe has also launched a new education program to create a structured professional pathway for arena and live event professionals and support the next generation of arena leaders. The program includes the sector’s first MSc Business in Technology, developed with Ulster University Business School, alongside a suite of Micro-Credentials designed around the practical and strategic needs of the arena industry.

See: European Arenas Association Rebrands To Arenas Europe, Adds Three New Members

Comments:

Robert Fitzpatrick, President of Arenas Europe, said: “The addition of Veikkaus Arena and Royal Arena is a clear signal of the momentum behind Arenas Europe. These are two outstanding venues in two highly significant Nordic markets, each with a strong civic role and a clear commitment to the future of live entertainment.

“Our purpose is to connect the people and businesses shaping this sector, and to create the structures through which knowledge, leadership and best practice can move more freely across Europe. As our membership grows, so does our ability to represent the arena industry with greater authority, to support its development and to make the case for the cultural, economic and social value of arenas in cities across the continent.”

Mirkka Rautala of Veikkaus Arena, commented: “Veikkaus Arena is entering an important new chapter, and rejoining Arenas Europe gives us access to a strong network of peers at a time of renewed ambition for the venue. As Finland’s leading event arena, we have a responsibility to bring world-class live entertainment back to Helsinki and to contribute to the wider development of the Nordic live events market.

“Arenas Europe offers a valuable forum for sharing knowledge, strengthening professional standards and learning from other leading venues across the continent. We look forward to contributing actively to the network and to working with colleagues across Europe on the opportunities and challenges that will define the future of our industry.

Anders Kjørup, CEO of Royal Arena Copenhagen, said: “Royal Arena was created to give Copenhagen and Denmark a world-class stage for music, sport and cultural experiences. Joining Arenas Europe allows us to be part of a wider European conversation about how arenas continue to evolve as destinations, civic assets and engines of live entertainment.

“The arena sector is changing quickly, from audience expectations and sustainability to technology, security and operational resilience. Collaboration has never been more important. We are pleased to join Arenas Europe and to contribute Royal Arena’s experience to a network that is helping to strengthen the sector’s collective capability and long-term future.”

Subscribe to Pollstar HERE