The new stadium project is currently proceeding with surveys, organizing directions, and considering construction sites in cooperation with Ibaraki Prefecture and the five hometown cities. We will first report to everyone on the progress since the project announcement and will continue to provide regular updates on new information regarding the project.
Overview of the New Stadium Project
The new stadium project, announced by Kashima Antlers on October 1, 2021, to commemorate the club's 30th anniversary, is as follows:・Decision on the direction of the new stadium to be made by 2026 (five years from now)
・Construction of the stadium as an ever-evolving platform, with no end to its completion
・Aiming for a facility that will be utilized as a new city symbol, promoting surrounding developments and possessing functions capable of hosting events
Furthermore, since 2020, the club has been working with Ibaraki Prefecture, the Japan Sports Agency, and Deloitte Touche Financial Advisory LLC (commissioned by the Japan Sports Agency) to organize the approach and challenges for building a new stadium. Through investigations, the fundamental concept for promoting the new stadium project, including the necessity of broad regional cooperation centered around the stadium, was organized by 2021.
Current Project Status
In May 2022, following the announcement of the new stadium project, discussions were held with the five hometown cities regarding the construction of a new stadium. In cooperation with Ibaraki Prefecture, progress was made in assessing the feasibility of construction at proposed hometown sites and organizing challenges. On February 25, 2023, a progress report on the plan was provided to the five hometown cities. The summary of the report is as follows:・Consideration for building the new stadium in Kashima City will proceed.
・Verification will continue for resolving challenges, such as the regional issue of traffic congestion.
Moving forward, with the construction of a new stadium in Kashima City in mind, investigations into solutions for challenges, including traffic congestion, will be conducted, and preparations for officially deciding on a construction site will proceed.
Details such as the new stadium design and completion date will be announced as the plan develops after the construction site is decided, as part of the project's progress report to everyone.