ABSTRACT
Helsinki had begun to construct a new Olympic stadium as part of its bid for the 1940 Summer Games. Tokyo initially beat Helsinki into second place, but Japan’s invasion of China in 1937 led to the Games being transferred to Helsinki. The Second World War intervened, but when voting for the 1952 Summer Games was held in 1947 Helsinki was the clear winner.
Construction of the new stadium had continued even after the surprise victory of Tokyo in the 1936 vote. Architects Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti and structural engineers Jernvalli and Laakso designed what has often been described as the most beautiful of all Olympic stadia. Largely of reinforced concrete, its Functionalist style featured clean, uncluttered lines and an iconic tower that commemorates the 72.71m winning throw of Finnish 1932 gold medal winner Matti Järvinen. Temporary wooden stands increased spectator capacity to 70,000.
Since the 1952 Games the stadium has hosted major athletics events and many concerts. There have been upgrades over the years, with a three-year major upgrade and refurbishment launched in 2016.
