OmaSp Stadion – stadium description

When was the new football stadium in Seinäjoki built?

Construction of the new stadium in Seinäjoki began in June 2015, with the facility being built on the site of a previously cleared section of forest. The arena was designed by Arkkitehtitoimisto Jääskeläinen studio. The cost of building the stadium was €13.7 million, of which €2.2 million came from public funds (the city funded the construction of the pitch and floodlight masts) and the rest was given by the club.

During the construction, in the 2015 season, the players of Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho football club (SJK for short) achieved historic success by winning the Finnish championship. In February 2016, it was announced that Oma Säästöpankki Savings Bank (OmaSp) would be the stadium's title sponsor. The opening of the new facility took place on June 18, 2016, and at the inauguration SJK lost in a league match against HJK Helsinki 2:3. The main celebrations for the commissioning of the arena were held a little later, on September 3, 2016.

What events does OmaSp Stadium host?

The stadium's primary host is the SJK football club, which played at Seinäjoen keskuskenttä before the opening of the new facility. The stadium also accommodates the club's reserve team (SJK Akatemia), composed mainly of young players. On September 23, 2017, the Finnish Cup final (SJK - HJK 0:1) was held at the venue.

In July 2018, the stadium was one of the arenas of the European Under-19 Championship (alongside Hietalahden jalkapallostadion in Vaasa), hosting, among other matches, the final of the tournament. The stadium also is used for other events, such as concerts.

What does the OmaSp Stadium look like?

The stadium has a rectangular, football-specific layout. Single-tier, fully-covered stands surround the playing field on all sides. The pitch has artificial turf and a heating system. The stands are equipped with plastic folding seats, mostly in yellow. The main stand, slightly higher than the others, is located on the north side. The capacity of the stadium is 5817 spectators and around 10 000 for concerts. The 500 VIP seats in the main stand are heated.

The main stand is equipped with facilities including locker rooms, offices, maintenance premises, as well as restaurants and a conference room. Four floodlight masts, located behind the corners, are responsible for illuminating the facility. In one corner, instead of stands, there is an entrance to the stadium and a digital scoreboard.