SM-liiga to display spectator conduct rules on arena screens before every game

SM-liiga will show spectator conduct rules on arena screens before every game this season, aimed at reminding fans to behave respectfully in Finnish arenas, YLE reports. Tampere clubs welcomed the measure as their home season gets underway after a break for the European volleyball championships that kept Ilves and Tappara on the road during the summer.

Clubs said the reminders form part of a broader communication drive. Tappara’s marketing and events director Jesse Pyykkö described it as a communication campaign and stressed that crowd safety is the top priority. Lasse Fihl, Ilves event manager who has worked with the club for about 20 years, said the aim is not to kill the atmosphere but to urge restraint and respect for opponents, noting that fan culture has become increasingly organised and confrontational in arenas and on social media.

SM-liiga CEO Mikko Pulkkinen said the pre-game reminders are preventive rather than a response to any single incident, since tensions could run high during the super season. The league sets a safety protocol and will support clubs and coordinate with authorities if needed. The move was also discussed on YLE’s morning show on Friday.