The new nickname "Mercari Stadium" simply utilizes the name "Mercari," which is widely recognized as both a company and service name. This makes it an easy-to-remember and easy-to-pronounce nickname, and also embodies the strong determination of Kashima Antlers and Mercari to deepen their commitment to the local community.
Ibaraki Prefectural Kashima Soccer Stadium was built in 1993, the year the J.League was founded, as Japan's first full-fledged soccer-specific stadium. It has served as the club's home stadium and a symbol of the region. Three matches were held there during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, and eleven matches were held during the Tokyo 2020 32nd Olympic Games. Since 2006, Kashima Antlers has been the designated administrator, developing various projects that contribute not only to football but also to the local community.
Taking this acquisition of naming rights as an opportunity, we will promote various initiatives that allow people to experience the "circulation of all value" that the Mercari Group aims for in its mission. This includes improving the stadium experience through the use of Mercari's various services and holding flea markets at the stadium that involve the local community. Mercari, Ibaraki Prefecture, and Kashima Antlers will work together as one to contribute to the development of the region.
Contract Details and Stadium Overview
■New Stadium Nickname"Mercari Stadium"
■English Name
"Mercari Stadium"
■Abbreviation
"Merusuta"
■Contract Period
3 years (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028)
■Naming Rights Contract Amount
150 million yen/year
■"Mercari Stadium" Overview
Completion: March 1993
Location: 26-2 Kohriyama, Jinja, Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Capacity: 39,095 people
Stadium Designated Administrator: Kashima Antlers F.C. Co., Ltd.
* The new nickname "Mercari Stadium" will be used in various situations, including matches and events hosted by Kashima Antlers such as J.League and J.League YBC Levain Cup matches. The official name of the stadium will remain "Ibaraki Prefectural Kashima Soccer Stadium."
Comments from Ibaraki Prefecture, Mercari, and Kashima Antlers
■Kazuhiko Oigawa, Governor of Ibaraki PrefectureI am very pleased that Mercari and Kashima Antlers have reached an agreement on the stadium naming rights contract. The prefecture will use the naming rights revenue to cover stadium maintenance costs, thereby improving the environment for residents and supporters to use and cheer with peace of mind. We also expect the advertising effects of the naming rights and the Mercari Group's stadium operation and commitment to the local community to bring further economic benefits to our prefecture.
■Masato Yamamoto, Executive Officer, SVP of Japan Region, Mercari, Inc.
It is a great honor to have reached an agreement with Ibaraki Prefecture and Kashima Antlers for the stadium naming rights. We have immense respect for the passion and tradition inherited by this stadium, which has created numerous historical moments since the inception of the J.League. While upholding this tradition, we will strive to contribute even more to Kashima Antlers and the local community by adding Mercari's unique essence, guided by our mission of "circulating all value and expanding the possibilities of all people."
■Fumiaki Koizumi, Representative Director and President, Kashima Antlers F.C. Co., Ltd.
Kashima Antlers was able to compete in the J.League thanks to the truly miraculous construction of Kashima Soccer Stadium. Together with this stadium, Antlers has won 20 titles and left its mark on history. While preserving the club's traditions, we believe further transformation is necessary. We aim to pursue safety, security, and convenience in the viewing environment utilizing technology, and in cooperation with all stakeholders involved with the club and Mercari, who has acquired the naming rights this time, we hope to contribute to this stadium remaining a source of pride for the region and developing sustainably.
■Mercari Overview
Company Name: Mercari, Inc.
Location: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6118
Business Activities: Planning, development, and operation of the "Mercari" flea market app for smartphones
Representative: Shintaro Yamada