Live Nation Finland relocates Dua, Queen, Björk from Russian-owned arena

March 8, 2022

We have taken the decision to move shows from Hartwall Arena (Helsinki Halli). We are working through the logistics of doing this. Stay tuned for more details. We will get back to ticket holders for moved shows as soon as we can. We’ll be posting information about the shows for ticket buyers also on our social channels.

This is the message that ticket-holders for upcoming Helsinki concerts by Dua Lipa, Queen + Adam Lambert and more will find on Live Nation Finland's website, as the concert promoter relocates all shows that were scheduled to take place at the city's largest arena.

The Helsinki beverage company Hartwall, who had sponsored the venue since its 1997 opening, withdrew their sponsorship last week, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The hall's holding company is owned by the Russian oligarchs Roman Rotenberg and Gennady Timchenko, who have long been on the U.S. Russia sanctions list.

Live Nation's decision to relocate concerts from the arena also extends to upcoming performances by Cirque du Soleil, Kiss, Björk and the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, whilst the arena has been temporarily renamed Helsinki Hall. A replacement venue is being sought for concerts and events scheduled at the arena; although Live Nation have not yet confirmed details of negotiations, Tampere's new Nokia arena seems to be the strongest candidate.

Source: https://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000008657955.html