Ibaraki Prefecture, Kashima City, and Kashima Antlers announced at a press conference on the new stadium project held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, that "Bokuden no Sato Sports Park" (Kashima City), adjacent to the current stadium, has been designated as the planned construction site, and that Ibaraki Prefecture has decided to proceed with the development of a new publicly funded stadium under its leadership.
Moving forward, the three parties will work closely together to formulate and refine concrete plans, aiming for an opening in 2033.
Press Conference Materials
Details of the materials presented on the day can be viewed via the link below.
Click here for New Stadium Project Press Conference Materials (PDF)
Key Policies Announced
■ Background and Scheme: Towards Sustainable Operation
The current stadium, which is over 30 years old, faces a significant challenge with annual maintenance costs of approximately 800 million yen. While Kashima Antlers, in cooperation with Ibaraki Prefecture and Kashima City, has been promoting the study of a new stadium, due to market changes exceeding expectations, various options have been explored to realize the project. As a result, it was determined that the optimal approach is to have the new stadium be publicly owned, while introducing private sector vitality, such as Antlers, for a portion of the construction costs and for operation and maintenance. A proposal was made to the prefecture. The prefecture decided that this method would maximize medium-to-long-term benefits and thus decided on a policy of new public construction.
■ Planned Site and Urban Development: Creation of a New Regional Symbol
The planned construction site will be "Bokuden no Sato Sports Park" (Kashima City), adjacent to the current stadium. Moving forward, procedures including urban planning changes and considerations for surrounding urban development will be advanced to formally determine the location. After the opening of the new stadium, the current stadium is scheduled for demolition, but surrounding urban development will begin, including the possibility of preserving a portion as a legacy. The three parties will also repeatedly discuss alleviating traffic congestion, a broad regional issue, and effective use of the former stadium site, aiming to realize the creation of an area that generates vibrancy 365 days a year.
■ Future Process
Starting in fiscal year 2026, Ibaraki Prefecture is scheduled to formulate a basic plan for the development of the new stadium and conduct a feasibility study for the introduction of private sector vitality. Antlers will participate from the planning stage as an important project partner, striving to maximize the value of the new stadium and cooperating in addressing regional issues.
Roles of the Three Parties in This Project (Policy)
To realize the project, the three parties will promote discussions while assuming the following roles:
■ Ibaraki Prefecture
As the main body responsible for the development of the new stadium, leading the project.
■ Kashima City
From an urban development perspective, responsible for examining the development of surrounding infrastructure and developing the area around the stadium into an attractive hub.
■ Kashima Antlers
Responsible for examining ways to improve profitability by leveraging the knowledge and experience gained from past stadium operations and the free-thinking ideas of the private sector.
Comments from Each Representative
■ Kazuhiko Oikawa, Governor of Ibaraki Prefecture
"I am very encouraged by the shared direction among the prefecture, Kashima City, and Kashima Antlers for the development of a new stadium. Moving forward, with the prefecture taking the lead, we will proceed with studies aimed at the early and reliable development of a stadium that will become a new symbol for the region."
■ Shinichi Taguchi, Mayor of Kashima City
"Through integrated development centered around the new stadium, we will work together with Ibaraki Prefecture, Kashima Antlers, and all stakeholders to ensure the success of this project, making this surrounding area an attractive and vibrant place with many people throughout the year."
■ Fumie Koizumi, Representative Director and President, Kashima Antlers FC Co., Ltd.
"I sincerely thank Ibaraki Prefecture and Kashima City for their decisive action to connect a regional symbol to the next generation. We will dedicate all our efforts, leveraging our private sector expertise to the fullest, to nurture the new stadium into a world-class regional platform."