Harjun Stadium, one of the oldest still-functioning sports venues in Jyväskylä, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. It is currently undergoing a modernization that will give it a new, more modern life.

What does the renovation include?

Construction work began in November 2024 with the demolition of the stadium’s grandstand, which was almost entirely torn down. The only part of the old grandstand to be preserved is the section built in 2000. The infrastructure upgrade will include the construction of a new football field and athletics facilities, with completion scheduled for summer 2025. The main contractor for the Harjun Stadium project is Peab Oy, while Forssan Ympäristöurakointi Oy is responsible for the sports infrastructure work.

The renovated Harjun Stadium, soon to celebrate its centennial, will provide even better conditions for hosting sports events and other gatherings. The new grandstand will accommodate 2,664 spectators, while the preserved section of the old stand will hold 275 people. As a result, the modernization will add over 800 new covered seats, increasing the total capacity to nearly 3,000 spectators. If needed, additional temporary stands can be installed. The lower section of the new grandstand building will house locker rooms, training spaces, staff facilities, social areas, storage rooms, and kiosks. The top floor will feature commentator booths, seating areas for people with disabilities, additional viewing spaces, and an elevator to ensure full accessibility.

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As part of the comprehensive renovation, the football field and all athletics facilities will also be renewed, including the resurfacing of running tracks and asphalt areas. The entire venue will be built and certified according to World Athletics (formerly IAAF) Class 2 standards.

© Wojciech Woźniak

A grand reopening as a gift for this iconic venue’s centennial

The renovation of Harjun Stadium is expected to be completed by March 2026, just in time for its 100th anniversary. In the summer of the same year, the stadium will serve as the main venue for the Finnish Athletics Championships (Kalevan Kisat). The following year, in 2027, Harjun will host a prestigious international event – the European Masters Athletics Championships. The project budget is set at €13 million, with €750,000 provided by Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture as part of its funding for sports infrastructure development in Jyväskylä.

Since 1926, Harjun Stadium has been one of the most significant and iconic sports venues in Jyväskylä. Over the past century, it has undergone numerous upgrades and has hosted many national and international competitions, matches, and events. Additionally, it serves as a training ground for athletes of all ages and is actively used by nearby educational institutions. With this renovation, the stadium will become an even more functional, modern, and accessible facility.

© Wojciech Woźniak