Decision-making on the construction of the football stadium in Kuopio

The construction of the Kuopio football stadium is progressing. A needs assessment for the stadium was completed and approved in 2018. According to the new plan, a UEFA Category 4 stadium with a capacity of 8,000 spectators would be built in Mölymäki area. The city would build and take responsibility for the stadium’s spectator stands and all other facilities used for sports (changing rooms, field, lighting) in accordance with UEFA category requirements. The cost estimate for the city’s share of the stadium project will be clarified as the project planning progresses.

A separate commercial plot would be created in connection with the stadium for premises serving various business activities. According to the plan, this part of the stadium complex will be implemented by an external private investor, who will build the premises and lease them to Kuopion Palloseura Oy and other operators. Negotiations on the commercial premises are ongoing.

“The stadium project will be economically viable and functional by dividing responsibilities and construction into parts: the city will be responsible for the sports section and a private investor will be responsible for the business premises,” comments Soile Lahti, Mayor of Kuopio.

The aim is for the Mölymäki area to be developed and built as simultaneously as possible for all projects. The city’s construction schedule for the project will be affected by how the decision-making process progresses. If the decisions are favorable for the project, planning and construction preparations could begin as early as next year.

The renovation of the stadium complex will further strengthen the city’s appeal and vitality and ensure that high-level international football matches will also be played at the stadium in the future. The stadium also plans to host other events and offer services to event visitors and residents of the Mölymäki area.