Kashima Antlers home games offer not only exciting matches but also a wide variety of events and some of the best stadium food in the J.League!

 

Even if you're new to watching soccer, you're more than welcome! For those who might be feeling a bit unsure about whether they'll enjoy it, we're here to show you how to make the most of your stadium experience!

Check out the information you want to know!

I want to know what to do on match day!

suggested itinerary

stadium information

player introduction

mascot

What you need to know before the match!

stadium gourmet

access to the stadium

for those with children

introduction to kashima antlers

for persons with disabilities

frequently asked questions

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Match Day Schedule

  • 0:00 AM on the day of the match

Gift Campaign Application Now Open!

Activities for the match will begin on the night of the event. We've prepared a present campaign exclusively for attendees and another one that can be entered online from anywhere!
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  • 5 hours before kickoff

Outdoor Food and Drink Area Now Open

The stadium is buzzing with excitement, with food trucks and merchandise stalls opening outside the stadium 5 hours before the match begins!

※For weekday matches, the start time will be 3 hours before kickoff.
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  • 4 Hours Until Kick-off

Kids Park Now Open!

Enjoy playing with Fluffy Deer, Foot Darts, Kick Target, the play area, Deer Bingo, and more!

※Contents are subject to change.
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  • Three Hours Before Kickoff

Doors Open! First, check your seat!

Once you've entered, you can re-enter! You can leave the stadium, so find your seat early and then enjoy the food and events with peace of mind!

※Visitor seats do not allow re-entry
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  • 2.5 hours before kickoff

Check out the fan merchandise at the goods store!

In addition to the temporary ticket sales office outside Gate 3, there will be four stores operating inside and outside the stadium.

A wide range of Antlers goods will be available, from uniforms to everyday items. Check this page for new products and more!

*The number of stores varies depending on the match day.
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  • Two Hours Before Kickoff

Fuel up with stadium gourmet!

Enjoy all sorts of stadium food and fuel up for the game!

Industry's Top Class! See Stadium Gourmet
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  • 60 minutes until kickoff

Into the stadium!

After enjoying the event, it's time to enter the stadium! With the pitch in front of you, the excitement builds! Let's enter early and get ready!
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  • Approximately 40 minutes until kick-off

The players are entering the pitch!

The players are entering the pitch for warm-ups. Please welcome them with applause and cheers from the stands as they make their final preparations for the match.
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  • Approximately 15 minutes until kickoff

Focusing on Vision! Announcing the Starting Members

The player introduction video is a must-see! The players enter to cheers, and the excitement reaches its peak!
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  • Kick-off is finally here!

Enjoy the thrilling plays of professional athletes!

Now that you've made it this far, all that's left is to enjoy it! Cheer as you like, whether by calling out or clapping!

Player Introduction

Check out the latest profiles of all players!
Each player's individual page includes their aspirations for this season, as well as a Q&A session that reveals unexpected aspects of their personality!

View Player List

Introduction to Kashima Antlers

Club History

In February 1991, a club based on the Sumitomo Metal Soccer Club was selected as one of the participating clubs in the J.League, with Kashima Town (now Kashima City), Kamisu Town (now Kamisu City), and Hasaki Town (now Kamisu City) as its home towns. In October 1991, Kashima Antlers FC Co., Ltd. was established. In April 1992, "Kashima Antlers" began its activities.

 

In 1993, with the opening of the J.League, they won the 1st stage. In 2000, they became the first team in history to achieve the "domestic treble," winning the J1 League, J.League Cup, and Emperor's Cup. From 2007 to 2009, they accomplished an unprecedented three consecutive J.League championships.

 

In 2016, they participated in the FIFA Club World Cup, finishing as runners-up after losing to Real Madrid (Spain) in extra time in the final. In 2018, they challenged for the top of Asia, a feat they had not yet achieved, and won their first AFC Champions League (ACL) title.

 

In 2025, they won the Meiji Yasuda J1 League for the first time in nine years, extending their total major titles to 21. In the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Centenary Plan League (Special Tournament), they finished in second place.

Origin of Club Name

Antlers' "antler" refers to the branch-like horns of a deer. It is named after the deer of Kashima Shrine, also evoking the "ibara" (thorn) in Ibaraki Prefecture. It carries the meaning of being widely loved, and when it comes to battle, standing up bravely and fearlessly.

Main Achievements

AFC Champions League: 1 title (2018)

J.League: 9 Championships (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2025)

J.League Cup: 6 Wins (1997, 2000, 2002, 2011, 2012, 2015)

Emperor's Cup Winner 5 times (1997, 2000, 2007, 2010, 2016 seasons)

Stadium Access

Mercari Stadium

26-2 Kohyama, Kamado, Kashima-shi, Ibaraki 314-0007

See Access Information

  • Shikao Family

Kashima Antlers mascot, who excites the club with all the fans and supporters!

 

On match days, they greet supporters with high fives and participate in events.
Please come and meet them!

Shikako

Born on July 7th

Anton's mother, who is always cute and kind, watches over his growth.

Shikao

May 20

A pillar of strength for Antlers! Leads the team with passionate support.

Anton

Born August 1

A popular figure who attracts future supporters through the YouTube kids' channel "Tokoton Anton TV"!

Shikao

Born May 20

The pillar that will energize Antlers! Lead the team with passionate support.

Shikako

Born on July 7th

Anton's mother, who is always cute and kind, watches over his growth.

Anton

Born August 1st

A popular figure who is increasing future supporters on the YouTube Kids channel "Tokoton Anton TV"!

  • Stadium food

On home game days, many food stalls gather at Melsta!
From classic street food to authentic gourmet meals, there's a wide variety to choose from!


Of course, we also have sweets and alcoholic beverages!
Come hungry and early to enjoy our top-tier stadium food!

perfect with white rice! harami-meshi

Izakaya Dream: Outside Food Court, Inside 4th Floor Concourse ⑬

motsu stew made with utmost care by a butcher

Kashima Meat Industry Cooperative
2nd Floor Main Stand ⑧

beyond the smoke lies the ultimate ham.

Itsuura Ham
Outdoor Food Court

staggle general election
winner: shirasu-don

Nakamachi Shopping Street
2nd Floor Main Stand ②

The above is just a small sample of the standard gourmet offerings at Melsta. Please note that the shops change for each match, so be sure to check the match-day guide for the latest vendor information!

Check out the stadium gourmet food for each match!

＞About complete cashless operations at Mercari Stadium

Mercari Stadium Venue Map

Check before your visit: entry gates, information, merchandise stores, and food and drink establishments!

The stadium map shown is an example. Event details and booth layouts may vary depending on the match, so please check the corresponding match page for more information.

View Digital Map

To those with disabilities

While attending a sporting event at a stadium, you may feel uneasy about transportation or facilities. At Mercari Stadium, we have established various support systems, such as wheelchair seating and barrier-free facilities, so that people with disabilities and their companions can enjoy the games to the fullest without any worries.

Wheelchair Users / Visitors with Disabilities

For Customers with Children

Going out with small children can be a challenge, can't it? To ensure families with young children can enjoy their time here, Mercari Stadium offers various amenities such as nursing rooms and childcare rooms! Please refer to this page first!

Information for Spectators with Children

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring

Are there any convenient things to bring when watching a soccer match?

If rain is forecast, please bring a large plastic bag that can fit your bag to protect it from getting dirty or wet. Also, refrain from using umbrellas inside the venue as it can be dangerous and inconvenience others. Instead, prepare a rain jacket or poncho.

 

It is convenient to bring a mobile battery to prepare for battery drain from smartphone use, such as presenting your viewing ticket at each entrance gate, making payments at stores, and taking photos at the stadium.

 

Additionally, please carry wet wipes as there may be few places to wash your hands in some locations. Foldable cushions for more comfortable seating, ponchos, towels, and cheering goods can also be purchased at official stores throughout the stadium, so please take advantage of them.

 

Can I bring in food and drinks?

You may bring in food and drinks. However, plastic bottled beverages are limited to 700ml or less. If you have a plastic bottle of 701ml or more, you can transfer its contents to a paper cup at each entrance gate before entering. Glass bottles and cans are prohibited regardless of capacity, so please transfer their contents to a paper cup at each entrance gate before bringing them in.

 

Please note that frozen plastic bottles, hard-type cooler packs, and other solid or frozen items are not allowed and will be held at each entrance gate. Carry bags and cooler boxes used to store food and drinks are allowed into the stadium only if they are small enough to fit under a seat; other sizes will be held at each entrance gate.

Are strollers allowed and can they be used?

It can be used outside the stadium, but cannot be brought into or used inside the stadium. It will be temporarily stored at the entrance gate.

Regarding clothing

What should I wear to the game?

To ensure a comfortable indoor viewing experience, please dress appropriately for the seasonal weather. Due to the characteristics of the Mercari Stadium's location, there can be significant temperature fluctuations regardless of the season. Therefore, even on hot days, it is convenient to have something that can be layered (such as a light sweatshirt, jacket, or long-sleeved shirt).

 

Please note that wearing items of visiting clubs is prohibited in the Supporters' Seats (Home South and North sides) / Category 3 South / 4 South / 5 South (including Special Viewing Boxes) / 6 South / Sofa Seats (4-person seats / 2-person seats A-E) / Relaxed Seats (Seat A) where many Antlers fans and supporters gather, as well as in the concourses on each floor of the south side. Similarly, wearing Antlers items in the visitor-exclusive seats is prohibited.

Do I have to wear Antlers club colors or merchandise when watching a game?

While it is not strictly necessary to wear clothing or merchandise featuring the Antlers' club colors to watch a match, wearing応援グッズ (cheering merchandise) can enhance your match-watching experience. Uniforms, cheering merchandise, and various apparel can be purchased at official stores inside and outside the stadium, so please make use of them.

 

Please note that wearing items of visiting clubs is prohibited in the Supporters' Seats (Home South and North sides) / Category 3 South / 4 South / 5 South (including Special Viewing Boxes) / 6 South / Sofa Seats (4-person seats / 2-person seats A-E) / Relaxed Seats (A seats), and in the concourses on each floor of the South side, where many Antlers fans and supporters gather. Similarly, wearing Antlers items in visitor-dedicated seats is also prohibited.

Will the game be held even if it rains?

Games will be held even in bad weather conditions such as rain. However, games may be canceled or postponed if the organizer determines that it is impossible to hold them safely due to a typhoon or heavy snowfall. Additionally, please be aware that games may be temporarily suspended or canceled partway through if there is a risk of lightning during the match or if heavy rain makes it impossible to continue.

If it rains, you'll get wet, won't you?

Both Mercari Stadium and MUFG Stadium (National Stadium), where home games are scheduled to be held, are stadiums with roofs covering all spectator seating. Therefore, they are designed so that spectators can comfortably watch games even in the rain. However, please understand that depending on the wind direction, rain may blow into seats in the front rows of the lower levels.

Regarding the move

If I go to watch the game by private car, is there parking available?

Please purchase "B Parking Tickets" through our ticket sales website "Shika Chike." These tickets allow parking for up to 500 vehicles (number may vary depending on the match). If B Parking is full, there are many private parking lots near Mercari Stadium, so please use those instead.

How many hours before the match should I arrive at the stadium?

Traffic congestion is expected around the Itako IC on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway and on roads surrounding the Mercari Stadium starting one hour before kickoff. Therefore, please arrive early and enjoy your time at the stadium. For matches held on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, gates open three hours before kickoff, and the outdoor food and beverage area and merchandise store open two hours before gates (five hours before kickoff), so please make use of these as well.

Regarding tickets

How can I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased on the ticket purchasing website "Shika Ticket." To use Shika Ticket, you must register (registration is free) and obtain a J.LEAGUE ID, so please complete these steps before purchasing tickets. Once registration is complete, select the match you wish to attend, the seat type and number of tickets, the ticketing method, and the payment method to complete your purchase. After purchasing, your QR ticket will be attached to your purchase history on Shika Ticket or in the purchase completion email sent to your registered email address, and paper ticket purchasers will find their ticket issuance number there. Therefore, please be sure to issue your paper ticket in advance before coming to the stadium.

At what age is a ticket required?

Tickets are required for elementary school students and older. Even for the "Free for Elementary School Students Nationwide" initiative, which primarily targets the upper backstand and East Zone (please note that the targeted areas may vary depending on the match), you must obtain a "0 yen" ticket. Pre-school children do not require a ticket if they sit on the lap of an accompanying adult (one child per adult) in all seating categories. However, if a pre-school child occupies their own seat, a ticket must be purchased.

I'm worried I won't enjoy it because I don't really understand the rules of soccer.

During a soccer match, important events that affect the game's development or outcome, such as scoring opportunities or player substitutions, will be announced via public address. Please enjoy watching the match, including cheering on the players, reacting to their plays, and the announcement of the starting lineup on the large screen before the match.

 

In addition, at Kashima Antlers home games, various event activities are held outside of match times. Please also enjoy the wide variety of gourmet food sold at the stadium.

I bought tickets, but something came up...

If, after purchasing a ticket, you are unable to attend an Antlers home game due to unforeseen circumstances, you can use the official resale service via "Kashima Ticket" from the general sale period.

 

The resale service is only available for "SOCIO Annual Reserved Seats" and "QR tickets purchased with a credit card via Kashima Ticket." Please note that VIEW BOX, Relaxed Seats, Sofa Seats, Category 5 Special Viewing Box, Wheelchair Accessible Seats, various special tickets, and B Parking Passes are not eligible for the resale service.

 

Kashima Antlers does not permit ticket resale transactions other than through the official resale service. We strictly prohibit purchasing tickets for the purpose of illegal resale. If a purchase is found to be for the purpose of illegal resale, the ticket(s) in question may be invalidated, account usage may be restricted, and membership status may be suspended.

What payment methods are accepted at the stadium?

Kashima Antlers will implement a "complete cashless" payment system at Mercari Stadium (including some areas outside the stadium) for all home games starting from the 2026/27 season. Cash payments will not be accepted at any stores or counters inside the stadium. For customers who do not have a cashless payment method or only have cash, we will be selling "WAON cards" and have "WAON chargers" (cash top-up machines) available for your use.

 

For topping up transportation IC cards, you can use the simple top-up machine located at "Kashima Soccer Stadium Station," the closest station to the stadium. Please note that there are no cash top-up machines for e-money other than WAON inside the stadium, so please top up your cards in advance before coming to the venue.

 

＞About Mercari Stadium's complete cashless system

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Other

I might have left something behind at the stadium...

Lost and found items within the stadium may be temporarily stored at the stadium's administration office. If you have lost something, please promptly contact the Antlers Call Center (support@antlers.co.jp) via email.

Am I allowed to take photos in the stadium?

You may take photographs for personal enjoyment. However, taking photographs (stills) or videos of matches (including practices and ceremonies before and after the match) and spectators for purposes other than private use, or duplicating such photographs (stills) or videos, or distributing match audio or video through the internet or other media, are prohibited at all venues according to the J.League's "Spectator Rules & Manners."

What are the benefits of joining the fan club? 

Kashima Antlers offers six fan club plans to enrich the matchday experience for our fans and supporters. Each plan provides benefits such as advance ticket sales, special ticket prices, and commemorative merchandise. Please see the Fan Club Special Page for details on each plan and its benefits.

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Can I use the Wi-Fi?

Fans and supporters who come to Mercari Stadium can use the high-density Wi-Fi network "ANTLERS Wi-Fi" for free. Enjoy your time with high-speed internet communication.

 

＞How to connect to ANTLERS Wi-Fi

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How was your first-time spectator guide?

You might have some concerns, but our staff will be there to support you, so please feel free to come and enjoy the game!

 

If you'd like to see detailed spectator guides for each match, or if you'd like to purchase tickets, please proceed to the next step!

 

We sincerely look forward to your visit.

View spectator guides for each match

Purchase Tickets