Visiting Helsinki for a few days this Fall and have a opportunity to check out a hockey game. Which team/league do locals mainly follow? Which one has better crowds/atmosphere? Would you recommend going to a HIFK or Jokerit game?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jokerit, without a doubt. Considering that their arena is suburban, it would result in a tourist getting out of the tourist zone of the city, and see more of Finland.
Hartwall arena is very much in the city between some railroads and railyards, it is not a scenic location at all.
Hartwall arena definitely isn't "more of Finland", you'd have to travel outside Kehä3 (Helsinki and its surrounding area) if you're looking to see something other than the capital.
As for the OP's question, if you have the time and money isn't an issue, maybe try visiting both?
Do you have the date set yet, so that you can be sure that there is a home game taking place?Appreciate the suggestions and input everyone.
Ideally I would like to experience both but we have less than a 48 hour layover in Helsinki. With a few other things we want to do there's only time to fit in one game.
Do you have the date set yet, so that you can be sure that there is a home game taking place?
Very good game if you want better hockey level. Metallurg Magnitogorsk has been top KHL team for years and is coached by Mike Keenan. Maybe not sellout game but close.There are two games:
Oct. 13 IFK vs. Ilves or Oct. 14 Jokerit vs. Metallurg Magnitogorsk
When do single tickets for the season generally go on sale? Can't seem to find much information on Google or on the English website.
There are two games:
Oct. 13 IFK vs. Ilves or Oct. 14 Jokerit vs. Metallurg Magnitogorsk
This is a nice analogue. If you just want a "good meal" so to speak, you pick the Jokerit game. If you're looking for an "exotic experience to reminisce about once back home", you pick HIFK.I see this dilemma like choosing a restaurant when travelling. You are in Thailand and you see side by side a Michelin star Italian restaurant and a prettier than "normal" local food serving restaurant.
Did you like the game?I ended up purchasing glass side seats for the Jokerit vs. Metallurg game in October. Excited. Will post my experience.
Thanks everyone.
Did you like the game?
Nice one! Did you experience anything else whilst being in Helsinki?
Yes. We stayed Kallio. Cool neighbourhood.
-Esplandi Park and shopping streets
-Senaatintori and Lutheran Cathedral
-Kamppi Chapel and Shopping Center
-Finnish dining at Lappi Ravintola
-Coffee at Cafetoria Roastery
-Temppeliaukio Church
-Market Square
-Suomenlinna
-Bought a bunch of Finnish candy and snacks!
Thumbs up especially at staying at KallioYes. We stayed Kallio. Cool neighbourhood.
-Esplandi Park and shopping streets
-Senaatintori and Lutheran Cathedral
-Kamppi Chapel and Shopping Center
-Finnish dining at Lappi Ravintola
-Coffee at Cafetoria Roastery
-Temppeliaukio Church
-Market Square
-Suomenlinna
-Bought a bunch of Finnish candy and snacks!