Sunday, May 17th: Regional League Round EAST, Match 17 vs. JEF United Chiba
On Sunday, May 17th, a public viewing event for the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial League Regional League Round EAST Match 17 against JEF United Chiba was held at Mercari Stadium. (Sponsored by Shin Nippon Denko Co., Ltd., Cooperated by Ibaraki Football Association)
Before the match, special stadium events were held, including "Seafood BBQ" and two job experience events for elementary school students: "Stadium DJ Experience" and "Grass Study Session."
Seafood BBQ
Participants enjoyed grilling fresh clam sets caught in Kashimanada themselves. The savory aroma of BBQ filled the concourse, creating a lively atmosphere that was a pleasant change from regular match days. Grilled clams were also sold, and children and adults alike savored the large, plump clams.
Stadium DJ Experience
After learning vocalization techniques directly from Stadium DJ Hiroyuki Matsumoto, participants tried announcing using the stadium microphone from the 3rd floor.
They called out their favorite players, saying, "The goal just now was by Kashima Antlers, number XX, player OO!" The lively voices of the participating children echoed through the stadium.
In the stands, attending customers responded with applause, creating a sense of unity throughout the stadium even before the match began.
Grass Study Session
In the grass study session, Mr. Nobuo Suzuki of IGM Corporation, who manages the grass at Mercari Stadium, lectured on the history and characteristics of the stadium's grass. Participants learned while actually touching the grass.
Afterward, they observed large lawnmowers that are usually not seen up close, and the children were very curious about the special blades and how the grass-cutting mechanism worked.
Not only the children but also their guardians listened intently to the valuable behind-the-scenes stories from the grass professionals.
Public Viewing Live Commentary & Analysis
During the public viewing, not only the match footage but also the cheers from the actual venue were played through the sound system, allowing the spectators in the stands to cheer along with the chants of the local supporters.
Former Antlers player Takayuki Suzuki provided commentary, and Stadium DJ Hiroyuki Matsumoto provided live commentary, explaining not only the match developments but also discussing the current Antlers team. Many attendees enjoyed both the match and the talk simultaneously.
Saturday, May 30th: Playoff Round Match 1 vs. Vissel Kobe
On Saturday, May 30th, a public viewing event for the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial League Playoff Round Match 1 against Vissel Kobe (Noevir Stadium Kobe / 2:00 PM kickoff) was held at Mercari Stadium (sponsored by Kowase Iron Works Co., Ltd.).
Before the public viewing began, a "Stadium Backstage Tour," a "Stadium DJ Experience" as a job experience event, and a "Mini Talk Show" by Mr. Masatada Ishii, who provided commentary for the match on that day, were held.
Shikao also came to support on the day and interacted with many supporters.
Masatada Ishii Mini Talk Show
In the first half, he generously shared highly anticipated episodes, such as his journey after leaving the club and valuable behind-the-scenes stories from his time as a player and manager for Antlers. In the latter half, a Q&A session was held with the participants. Fans who had recently joined asked questions about the past and present of Antlers, and passionate comments from long-time supporters brought out Mr. Ishii's deep "Antlers love," even causing him to become emotional and choke up at times.
The talk show was filled with a warm sense of unity and a wonderful atmosphere from beginning to end.
Stadium DJ Experience
The second Stadium DJ Experience, which was popular at the previous public viewing, was held. This time, the experience focused on player introductions. Participants chose their favorite player and called out their position, jersey number, and name.
After learning vocalization and intonation techniques from Hiroyuki Matsumoto, they announced the players' names to the entire stadium from the pitch side, generating excitement for the match.
Stadium Backstage Tour
The backstage tour, always popular at Non-Match Day events, received numerous applications again, with over 100 participants.
Participants visited areas normally off-limits, such as the locker rooms and warm-up areas, before heading to the pitch side. They enjoyed the rare experience of gazing at the entire stadium from pitch level and taking photos.
In the interview room, they took commemorative photos in the seats where players and coaches hold press conferences, making it a highly satisfying tour.
Public Viewing Live Commentary & Analysis
During the public viewing, the audience was completely engrossed in the intense match, fully determined to win and advance to the second leg.
Former Antlers coach Masatada Ishii and Stadium DJ Hiroyuki Matsumoto engaged in a lively discussion, providing not only commentary on the match development but also valuable insights into coaching decisions and stories about current Antlers players whom Ishii coached during his tenure, greatly exciting the stands.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and cooperated.