Kashima Antlers is pleased to announce that, following a proposal from Itako City (Mayor: Hiromichi Hara) for the development of a new clubhouse within the city, we will commence discussions to scrutinize its feasibility (negotiations toward formulating a basic plan).
This announcement is to publicize the start of a concrete investigation and review process as one option for the future development of a new clubhouse. At this point, no final decision has been made regarding the relocation of facilities. Moving forward, both parties will work closely together to formulate a basic plan in light of the club's future vision and to scrutinize various conditions.
Background and Purpose of the Study Commencement
The current clubhouse in Kashima City was completed in 1993, meaning it has been over 30 years since its construction, and the facility is aging. Furthermore, with the increase in personnel due to the club's growth strategy and the need to further develop and maintain a consistent coaching and development environment from the academy (youth organization) to the top team, it has become physically difficult to secure space for expansion within the current site.
This study aims to fundamentally resolve these issues and achieve the following:
■Integration and Optimization of Top Team and Academy Functions
We will proceed with discussions premised on the relocation of training bases for both the academy and the top team. Maintaining and enhancing "functional integration" to support a consistent coaching system in the optimal environment for the future is positioned as an indispensable element in this project.
■Collaboration with Itako City's Urban Development (Utilization of Public-Private Partnership Projects)
As a study item, we are considering development within a planned urban park in the area around Itako IC, in conjunction with the "Itako City Regional Partnership Hub Development Basic Concept" promoted by Itako City. In the future, we aim to contribute to regional revitalization by forming a year-round tourism and exchange hub centered on sports, and we will discuss the establishment of a sustainable facility development scheme.
Future Action Plan for Hometowns, Including Kashima City
Antlers' policy of continuing to walk alongside the five hometown cities, including Kashima City, which have been with us since our founding, remains unchanged. By appropriately distributing and allocating functions for the "New Stadium Concept," which is currently being promoted in cooperation with Ibaraki Prefecture and Kashima City, and for daily training bases within the Kashima-Kou region, we intend to contribute to further improving circularity and revitalization across the entire area.
Furthermore, even if the development of new facilities in Itako City becomes concrete after future deliberations, the club will proceed with parallel discussions regarding the future utilization of existing facilities, including the current clubhouse.
Future Outlook
This matter currently does not signify a "decision to relocate"; rather, it is solely an announcement of the commencement of concrete discussions to explore the possibility of commercialization. Moving forward, we will proceed with discussions toward formulating a basic plan in cooperation with Itako City.
Regarding this study, we have previously held discussions with Kashima City, where the current clubhouse is located, and we will continue to conduct thorough discussions with Kashima City in the future.
The final decision on project implementation (signing of a basic agreement) will be made again around February 2027, after detailed investigations and a thorough examination of various conditions, and will be announced accordingly.