Kashima Antlers is pleased to announce the release of the "Home Game Visitor Mobility Report (Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial League Edition)," developed with the cooperation of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. This report aims to achieve "low-environmental-impact transportation," one of the key themes in our sustainability policy, "Forever the Same Dream - With Antlers, For Sustainability."
*Visitor travel routes: To protect privacy, data has been anonymized and aggregated into meshes so that individuals cannot be identified.
The survey (covering all nine Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial League home games held from February to May 2026, excluding playoff rounds) revealed that over half of the visitors came from outside the prefecture, with an average total travel distance of 123.8 km and an average one-way travel time of approximately 4 hours (243.2 minutes). Furthermore, 81.3% of visitors used cars, resulting in a total CO2 emission of 5,182.8 tons for the nine matches. This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by 55 Mercari Stadium-sized cedar forests in one year.
We acknowledge that the club's characteristic — being supported by passionate fans who travel long distances to watch home games — simultaneously creates a significant environmental burden. Through the publication of this report and the setting of future concrete goals, we aim to work with everyone to create a "sustainable viewing style."
Background of the Report
Mercari Stadium has limited public transportation options, posing a realistic challenge of being "a location with poor access that relies on cars." This report is not intended to negate your current visiting style. Instead, it sincerely acknowledges this reality and was created to collectively consider "how to make stadium visits sustainable" and build "a future where we can support the team in Kashima for another 100 years."
Main Topics of the Survey Results
■ Visitor Residences and Travel Patterns
While only 37.6% of visitors came from within Ibaraki Prefecture, more than half (e.g., 15.9% from Tokyo, 15.0% from Chiba Prefecture) traveled from a wider area. Additionally, approximately 40% (40.7%) of visitors arrived at the stadium by three hours before kickoff, when general admission begins, indicating a tendency to enjoy longer stays before the match.
■ Usage of Transportation Methods
While cars accounted for the vast majority (81.3%) of transportation, approximately 15% (15.1%) of visitors from outside Ibaraki Prefecture used public transportation, with express bus services from the Tokyo area being particularly popular.
■ Breakdown of CO2 Emissions from Travel
Of the total CO2 emissions of 5,182.8 tons for the nine matches, 96.2% (4,987.7 tons) came from travel by private vehicles (including taxis and motorcycles), highlighting that car usage rates and travel distances are directly linked to environmental burden (bus emissions were 112.2 tons, and train emissions were 82.9 tons).
Achievements in CO2 Reduction Measures for the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial League
Antlers has initiated new initiatives with the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial League, aiming to balance "environmental impact reduction" and "comfortable access."
■ Operation of a special Park & Ride train utilizing the freight-only "Kamisu Station"
For the match against Mito HollyHock on May 6, a special train was operated directly from the usually freight-only "Kamisu Station" to "Kashima Soccer Stadium Station," the closest station to Mercari Stadium. This aimed to alleviate traffic congestion in the surrounding areas and encourage a modal shift from private cars to trains. Approximately 200 people utilized this "new viewing style," which allowed them to enjoy the unusual experience of boarding from a freight station while practicing sustainable behavior, resulting in a total CO2 emission reduction of 773.3 kg.
■ Promotion of direct stadium bus usage
With the cooperation of Kantetsu Kanko Bus, promotional measures were strengthened, leading to an increase in bus users from within the prefecture. This contributed to a CO2 emission reduction of 1,594.0 kg.
How to View the Report
Further details of this report can be found at the following link.
Home Game Visitor Mobility Report
(Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial League Edition)
Goals for the 2026/27 Season and a Request for "Sustainable Choices"
For the 2026/27 season, Antlers will implement more robust measures to reduce environmental impact, such as promoting park-and-ride using trains and buses, and encouraging carpooling services.
To protect an environment where future generations can enjoy football with peace of mind, please consider the following "small efforts" based on your viewing style when you visit.
■ For those coming from nearby
On fine weather days, please actively choose to come by bicycle, on foot, or by bus.
■ For those coming by car
We ask for your cooperation in reducing the number of vehicles by carpooling with fellow supporters.
■ For those who can use public transport
Please actively use direct stadium buses and trains. Your usage directly contributes to maintaining and increasing service routes.
Each individual's travel choice has the power to protect the future of Antlers and the beautiful environment of our hometown. To keep "the same dream forever," we ask for your understanding and cooperation.