Helsinki Olympic Stadium facts for kids
The Helsinki Olympic Stadium, also known as Olympiastadion, is a famous sports stadium located in Helsinki, Finland. It's a very important place for Finnish sports history. This stadium was the main venue for the exciting 1952 Summer Olympics. Today, it's still a busy place, especially for Finland's national football team, who play many of their home games here.
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History of the Helsinki Olympic Stadium
The Helsinki Olympic Stadium was finished in 1938. It was originally built to host the 1940 Summer Olympics. However, World War II caused those games to be cancelled. The stadium had to wait until 1952 to finally host the Olympic Games. This made it a very special moment for Finland.
The 1952 Summer Olympics
In 1952, the stadium welcomed athletes from all over the world for the Summer Olympics. It was a huge event for Finland, which was the host country. Many different sports took place here, including track and field events. The stadium became a symbol of international friendship and competition.
Modern Use and Features
After the Olympics, the stadium continued to be a key sports venue. It has hosted many important football matches for the Finland national football team. It also held the 1971 European Athletics Championships, showing its importance for track and field sports.
The stadium has a tall tower that is 72.71 metres (238.5 ft) high. This tower is a well-known landmark in Helsinki. Below the main field, there is even a special indoor running track called the Tunnel. This track is two lanes wide and is used for training. The stadium has also gone through renovations, with one major update finishing around 2020.
Images for kids
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Helsinki Olympic Stadium in 1938 soon after its completion. The stadium, first built for the 1940 Olympics, had to wait until 1952 for its intended use as an arena for the Olympic games as the war led to the cancellation of the event.
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The tower of the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, a distinct landmark with a height of 72.71 metres (238.5 ft).
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Host country Finland in the 1952 Summer Olympics
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The stadium nearing the end of renovation in April 2020
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Tunnel is a full-track 2-lane running track, below the field's above-ground running track.
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Stamp of the 1971 European Athletics Championships at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium
See also
In Spanish: Estadio Olímpico de Helsinki para niños
