Airport-level security arrangements at Helsinki Arena

20 days to Eurovision

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During the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest (May 10th to 12th), airport-level security will be implemented at the Helsinki Arena, using metal detectors and X-ray equipment. The venue will be cordoned off with fences already from May 3rd.
      As hosts of the event, the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE is also in charge of the security arrangements in cooperation with the City of Helsinki and the Helsinki Police Department, as well as the City’s Rescue Department.
      According to the risk analyses, no major threats are involved in the event, reports Security Manager Björn Åkerblom.
      This is not to say that matters are being dealt with lightly. "Never before have such major security measures been taken in Finland in connection with any entertainment event", notes Åkerblom.
     
The guests will not be allowed to bring in any cameras, liquids, or sharp instruments. Audience members are also advised to leave all non-essential bags at home.
      "Just those items that travellers are allowed to take aboard a plane can also be brought into the Arena during the song contest", Åkerblom explains.
     
Even the hotels are focusing on security during the Eurovision week. For example, the hotels belonging to the Sokos chain have discussed their security arrangements with the organisers of the event.
     
A record number of 42 countries will participate in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest, and during the event, thousands of tourists will visit Helsinki. One of the challenges is to provide accommodation for all of them.
      "The estimated demand for hotel rooms will be around 2,500”, reports YLE's Heikki Seppälä, the Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest.
      For example, Sokos Hotel Pasila, located in the vicinity of the Helsinki Arena, has already long since been fully booked for the weekend of finals. All 178 rooms of the hotel have been reserved mainly for the media. Random rooms are still available for some days before and after the finals.
      Hotel Kämp in downtown Helsinki, probably the most expensive establishment in town, is also receiving more and more reservations the closer the finals are drawing.
      However, Hotel Sello, which belongs to the same chain has still vacancies, even for the weekend of the finals. Despite being in Espoo, it is only a short trainride away from the Arena in Pasila.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Helsinki Arena to welcome 2007 Eurovision Song Contest (22.6.2006)

Links:
  Eurovision Song Contest official website

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