Head of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association and Secretary General of this year’s Ice Hockey World Championship Matti Nurminen said tickets for the games are selling well and that an exciting two weeks await ice hockey fans.
“The Lions woke up in April. Four of the Finland games are sold out and there are still tickets left for three games, such as the semi-finals,” he said.
Nurminen said that after the ticket sales fiasco last year, organizers took a long look in the mirror. Last spring, ice hockey fans were in uproar over what they saw as exorbitant ticket prices. The lessons of last year were taken into account in setting prices for Friday’s opening games.
Die-hard but hard-up fans can see a game for as little as nine euros this year. For games featuring the home favourites Finland, entrance fees run around 49 euros. Ice hockey enthusiasts also still have the opportunity to see games with the German, French and Latvian teams.
Ticket sales strategies changed after 2012
“We got a lot of feedback last spring. Because of that feedback and discussions we’ve had, we changed our ticket sales strategy and we have received a lot of positive reviews as a result. Our goal is to ensure that fans can enjoy the games regardless of the size of their budgets,” Nurminen added.
According to Swedish media, organizers have also been doing a brisk trade in tickets in Finland’s western neighbour. Last spring, the Globe arena remained surprisingly empty, even for matches featuring the national team. This year, the tables have turned and tickets are selling like hot bread.
Helsinki will host opening as well as semi-final games. The competition will heat up in Stockholm with quarter final fixtures. Nurminen is expecting Helsinki to be overtaken by a Carnival-like atmosphere as sports tourists overrun the city.
“I’m looking forward to a fantastic international sporting event. Now we in Helsinki have a love of traditional supporter countries coming like Russia, Latvia and Germany. I’m expecting a good international atmosphere. The competition organisers are hoping for a wonderful event for the teams, the fans and the organisers too,” he declared.