Kuninkuusravit Expected to Draw Up to 50,000 Spectators to Teivo Racetrack

According to Tamperelainen, Tampere will host two headline summer events this year: the FIVA World Rally runs July 27–30, followed by Kuninkuusravit at Teivo racetrack from July 31–August 2. The men's European Volleyball Championship preliminary group stage takes place at Nokia Arena on September 10–17.

Last summer brought a flood of international competitions to Tampere, and while this year’s calendar is smaller, it remains busy. The FIVA World Rally gathers historic cars built between 1896 and 1986. The event features a themed two-lake tour that loops Pyhäjärvi and a 90-kilometre circuit around Längelmävesi.

Kuninkuusravit, a national folk festival centred on the Finnish horse, ranks among Finland’s largest public events and can attract up to 50,000 spectators. The main titles for mares and stallions are decided over three heats across Saturday and Sunday: 2,100 m, 1,609 m and 3,100 m. The winner is the horse with the best combined time.

Other attractions at Kuninkuusravit include Finnish pony championship races and the national monté championship for cold-blooded horses. At Nokia Arena, Finland will be in a group with Denmark, Belgium, Serbia, the Netherlands and Estonia. This will be Finland's tenth straight appearance at the men's European Championship, the fourth time the tournament is held in Finland, and Tampere last hosted matches five years ago.