Before the 2026/27 Meiji Yasuda J.League Matchweek 2 fixture against Nagoya Grampus (kick-off at 6:00 PM) on Saturday, August 15th, we will be holding a "Curtain Raiser Match" on the pitch at Mercari Stadium for elementary school students in grades 1-6.
This event offers children the chance to play soccer barefoot on the pitch at Mercari Stadium before the match.
We look forward to your participation!
Date and Time
Saturday, August 15th
[Grades 1-3]
2:30 PM: Participants gather at Gate 1
3:00 PM: Entry to stadium grounds
3:15 PM: First half kick-off (7 minutes)
3:30 PM: Second half kick-off (7 minutes)
3:40 PM: End of match
3:50 PM: Dismissal at Gate 1
[Grades 4-6]
3:00 PM: Participants gather at Gate 1
3:15 PM: Entry to stadium grounds
3:50 PM: First half kick-off (10 minutes)
4:05 PM: Second half kick-off (10 minutes)
4:15 PM: End of match
4:25 PM: Dismissal at Gate 1
*Schedule may be subject to change.
Venue
Mercari Stadium (26-2 Kohyama, Jinba, Kashima City, Ibaraki)
Eligibility
Elementary school students in grades 1-6
Participation Fee
Free
What to Bring
Clothes suitable for playing soccer, water bottle
*Please do not bring your own soccer balls.
Number of Participants
100 elementary school students (grades 1-3)
100 elementary school students (grades 4-6)
*If there are too many applicants, a lottery will be held.
Application Form
Application Deadline
Until 9:00 AM on Friday, August 14th
Notification of Selection
Only selected applicants will be notified by 4:00 PM on Friday, August 14th. School students will be notified via Sgrum, and general participants will be notified via email.
Details will be provided with the notification of selection.
Tickets
Tickets for participating children and guardians must be purchased individually via "Shika Ticket."
*Please note that elementary school children nationwide can watch for free in some seating categories (the number of eligible tickets is limited).
*A match ticket is required to watch the "Curtain Raiser Match". If you do not have a ticket, you will not be able to watch. Thank you for your understanding.
Parking
Please use nearby paid parking facilities.
*The surrounding parking area is Parking Lot B (2,500 yen including tax).
*Parking tickets for Parking Lot B can be purchased via "Shika Ticket." Please purchase by the day before, as it takes time for data to be reflected for same-day purchases.
*If Parking Lot B is full, please use nearby private parking lots.
Other Notes
・During the Curtain Raiser Match, guardians should watch from the spectator stands.
・After the event, coaches will escort the children to the designated dismissal area outside the stadium. Guardians should use the re-entry gates (Gate 1, NIPPON STEEL Gate, Gate 5, Gate 6) to proceed to the dismissal area.
・Please note that the event may be canceled suddenly due to severe weather or the condition of the pitch. In case of cancellation, we will notify you by email to the address registered with your J.League ID by 11:00 AM on the day of the event.
・In case of cancellation, there will be no rescheduling for another match, and only those who wish will be offered a commemorative photo session by the pitch.
・This event is not eligible for point cards (for school students only).
・Photos or videos taken at this event may be published on the official club website and club media (including social media). Please apply only if you agree to this.
・For any injuries on the day, we will provide first aid. However, subsequent care will be the responsibility of each family, so please be aware of this in advance.
[Contact Us]
Kashima Antlers Call Center
support@antlers.co.jp
*We are responding to inquiries sequentially, but it may take some time.