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Making the most of Lahti’s venues
A couple of years ago, I was invited on a tour of the Hartwall Brewery. When our guide asked; “Why was Hartwall’s main brewery located in Lahti?” my answer was instantaneous: “It is logistically perfect – all roads lead to Lahti.” I was wrong! The number one reason was because of the readily availability of high quality water. Feeling a little foolish, I was pleased to learn that the location came a close second.
Lahti has an abundance of top quality concert and sporting venues: The Isku Arena, Messuhalli, Sibeliustalo, the athletics stadium, the ski jumps and stadium, Kisapuisto and maauimala spring instantly to mind, and that is without mentioning Vesijärvi and the ski tracks. With the exception of the ski tracks (used daily by myself, weather permitting) all of these resources are under-used and spend much of the year lying idle.
Last summer, I went to two concerts at Helsinki Ice Arena, Rockin’ Helsinki (George Thoughgood/Gary Moore) in June and Whitesnake in July. Looking back, the most memorable moment from the two concerts was when George Thoughgood entered the stage and said “Good evening Sweden”, it was downhill from then on.
On both occasions, I found the parking difficult and expensive, the food and drink prices exorbitant, the view poor and, worst of all, the sound quality unacceptably bad and very ‘tinny’. In contrast the Lauluyhtye Rajaton, ‘Queen’ concert held in the Sibeliustalo in August was very enjoyable and the acoustics where excellent.
Following the Whitesnake concert, as I drove back to Lahti, I asked myself, why weren’t these concerts held in Lahti? Logistically, the catchment area is huge and arguably extends not only to Helsinki but also as far as Jyväskylä, Mikkeli, Kouvola and even Tampere. Parking is easier and cheaper than in Helsinki and I am sure the Isku Arena offers better acoustics than the Helsinki Ice Arena. (It cannot be worse!)
Later while enjoying a Guinness in the pub, I was discussing this with a couple of friends. To my surprise, I learnt that Pink Floyd once played in Lahti Messuhalli. I am not sure why Lahti has failed to attract any big name artists in the seven years I have been living here? The opening of the Lahti Helsinki motorway and the new railway surely make Lahti a more attractive proposition.
I don’t pretend to be an expert and this is only my opinion, but, next time Whitesnake play in Sweden, sorry Finland, Isku should offer their Arena at cost price. The concert is sure to sell out and the profits from the beer alone would be enough for Pelicans to buy a new star hockey player. The alternative would be to keep the status quo (no pun intended) and leave the arena empty and a wasting asset.
On the positive side every winter I find the ski tracks to be in excellent condition (although better and clearer danger signs could be erected similar to those in Kuusankoski and Jyväskylä) and although I don’t ice skate myself, I am happy to report the growing number of ice skating possibilities on Vesijärvi.
Finally, Lahti’s international status was given a welcome boost as the most important Summit of Finland’s EU Presidency was held at the Sibeliustalo. If Lahti is good enough for Blair, Putin et. al., surely it is good enough for the likes of Whitesnake and Gary Moore? Let's make the best use of all Lahti’s facilities. I suggest that Lahti City, the Tourist Board and local entrepreneurs hold their own ‘Summit’ to find the best way to market the city both domestically and internationally. I look forward to the day when Lahti’s excellent facilities open their doors for revenue generation instead remaining closed and collecting dust for much of the year.
Mike Bangle’s is the owner of Talking English language consultancy and can be contacted at mike.bangle(at)phnet.fi
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