The "Antlers Stadium Camp" was an event where participants could stay overnight in tents on the stadium pitch, an area normally inaccessible to the public. In addition to the overnight stay, we organized many summer holiday experiential activities, which were enjoyed by 78 groups and 253 participants, ranging from families to couples.
After working up a sweat, participants were able to use the showers in the locker rooms used by the players during matches. Everyone was visibly excited.
It was a scorching hot day, but the weather held up, making for a special and eventful one-night, two-day camp.
DAY 1: Saturday, August 3rd
■ Opening Ceremony and Orientation
During the orientation, we explained the precautions for this camp. At 1:00 PM, the temperature reached 37 degrees Celsius, and thorough instructions on heatstroke prevention were provided.
■ Stadium Camp Special Program
After a short break following the orientation, participants were divided into four programs. The planned "Path of the Gods" was canceled due to the extreme heat.
(1) Stadium Tour
This was a special stadium camp tour. In addition to the press conference room and locker rooms, participants were able to see areas normally off-limits, such as the VIP room and broadcast booth.
(2) Science Experience
In Part 1, the "Mobile Aquarium" from Aqua World Oarai Aquarium visited the warm-up area. Participants could touch marine creatures in the touch pool and attend a learning session about sharks led by aquarium staff. In Part 2, everyone enjoyed making jumbo soap bubbles.
(3) Stargazing Lecture
Tetsuji Fuse, a senior researcher at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Kashima Space Technology Center, was invited as a lecturer to teach about astronomy, including the history of parabolic antennas. Participants learned about summer constellations by observing them and making star charts, and even saw Saturn through a telescope. Both adults and children were very excited.
(4) Real-life Mystery Solving Game "Marl and the Stone Guardians"
This was an interactive game where participants used their minds and bodies to solve hidden mysteries. Teams worked together to find the correct answers. Family groups were seen cooperating to solve difficult puzzles.
■ Free Participation Activities
(1) Summer Memory Letter
Participants used the pitch's sand to draw and write on paper, creating original letters.
(2) Photo Spot
This year, a panel for the Stadium Camp 2019 was set up in front of the tents, and participants took commemorative photos there.
■ Public Viewing: Shonan Away Match
Dinner was served at the stadium beer garden venue, featuring Antlers Curry and watermelon, accompanied by a public viewing of the J1 League Matchday 21 against Shonan.
■ Night Activity: Stargazing
Under the guidance of Tetsuji Fuse, a senior researcher at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Kashima Space Technology Center, stargazing was conducted. Participants also made star charts, and children eagerly asked questions like "I want to make this my free research project!"
■ Pitch Lights Out
DAY 2: Sunday, August 12th
■ Watch the Sunrise from Kashima Stadium!
A tour to view the sunrise was conducted, with participants gathering at 4:15 AM. Last year, it was unfortunately cloudy, but this year we were able to see a beautiful sunrise.
■ Shikao's Newspaper Delivery
The Shikao family made a surprise appearance, delivering the "Shikao Newspaper" which reported on day 1, to each tent. Participants were thrilled by the Shikao family's visit, and many were seen taking photos.
■ Breakfast: "Kashimagyo Local Food Breakfast"
Breakfast consisted of bento boxes made with ingredients harvested in the Kashimagyo region, helping participants energize for the upcoming events.
■ Pitch Yoga
Yoga was conducted by wellness staff. Participants were delighted to experience yoga on the stadium pitch, exclaiming, "We can do this here!" The event was filled with smiles.
■ Soccer School
A soccer school for elementary school-aged children and younger was held on the stadium pitch. Special guest Nakata C.R.O. made an appearance! The children were thrilled and seen kicking the ball around. After the soccer school, a spontaneous autograph session with Nakata C.R.O. formed, with a long line of fans.
■ Closing Ceremony
At the closing ceremony, Nakata C.R.O. gave a speech, bringing the camp to an end.
Afterward, a group photo was taken, and participants were presented with the "Antlers Stadium Camp 2019 Certificate."
