YODOKO Sakura Stadium

Sep. 29,2022

Outdoor Stadium

Project Description

YODOKO Sakura Stadium - where you can enjoy up-close impressive matches!

In April 2021, after two years of large-scale renovation work, the Nagai Ball Game Field was newly reopened as YODOKO Sakura Stadium.

The stadium, based in J-League club "Cerezo Osaka", has space for approximately 25,000 people and features a beautiful natural grass field. As the shortest distance between the field and the spectator seats is 5.8 meters, visitors can clearly hear the players’ voices, the sound of the ball being kicked, as well as feel the heat on the field and the intensity of the play up close.

This renovation mainly focused on the west stand (formerly the back stand), which became the new main stand, and on the north stand behind the home team's goal.

Kotobuki Seating provided seats for the spectator seating in each stand.

Before the renovation, the auditorium was equipped with a large number of seats that had only seat pans and no backrests.

Most of the seats that we delivered this time are equipped with backrests, firmly supporting the body.

In addition, the seats are of the two-piece type with separate backrest and seat pan, equipped with a mechanism that enables the seat to automatically flip up when unoccupied. Since this allows for a wider aisle in front of and behind the seats, attendees can pass through the stand smoothly without being hindered by the seats.

New main stand with enhanced comfort and fluttering cherry blossom

The main feature of this renovation is the new main stand, located where the back stand previously stood.

The spectator seating is entirely covered by a large roof, allowing spectators to concentrate on the game without having to worry about the weather.

Three types of seats were largely distributed among two levels and installed in the seating area of the main stand.

The first type is the "ALLWe" series VSS-031, installed between the upper and lower level of the stand and used as VIP seats and season seats.

The backrest and seat pans are cushioned with urethane, which does not have have the stiffness common in outdoor seats, allowing occupants to sit comfortably for long periods of time. As the upholstery is made of waterproof vinyl leather, even when the chair gets stained by causes such as inclement weather, maintenance can be easily done with only a gentle wipe.

VIP seats are equipped with double armrests on both sides of each chair. This gives a more private feel to the seats, as regular seats commonly share a single armrest with the adjacent seat. The VSS-031 model has cup holders on each left and right armrest, making it a luxurious and comfortable seat for spectators.

The second type is BLM-5131, installed in the lower level of the main stand.

Despite its compact size, it provides a generous seat depth by taking advantage of the two-piece type design. The seat feels more comfortable than its appearance suggests.

The corners of the backrest are shaped for an easier grip. This provides support for spectators when going up and down the stairs, making it safe to move around in a stadium with many steps.

The seat is also equipped with armrests so spectators can watch the game while maintaining their personal space. Room under the elbow rest allows the legs to move freely when someone passes in front while the guest is seated.

The third type is BLM-8020, installed in the center of the lower and upper level of the stand.

The large, rounded backrest and seat pan naturally support a comfortable posture for spectators.

The center of the stand's lower level provides a spacious seating area with a frontage size of 580 mm for one person. The padded backrests also provide comfortable seating, and the elbow rests are equipped with cup holders. Close to the players' entrance and benches, this is one of those special seats you will want to try at least once.

The seats in the upper level of the main stand are color-coded in pink and navy, the team colors of Cerezo Osaka. When no spectators are present, the seats create the illusion of fluttering cherry blossoms.

On the upper level of the same main stand, the BLM-8020 model is also installed in the press box in combination with a custom-made desk.

seats in the north stand to encourage audience's cheering.

The most exciting place for supporters during games is the north stand, located behind the home team's goal. This stand, which has undergone a major renovation, also uses the BLM-8020 model, installed in many of the main stands.

The increased aisle width provided by the flip-up seats is another major advantage to the stadium.

This is "ease of support".

When standing up from a chair to cheer, the seat rarely bumps against the body and does not get in the way.

Fans can cheer for their team as much as they want while moving about without worrying about the space.

The color of the seats in the north stand is navy amidst the pink of the cherry blossoms, forming the shape of the word "OSAKA" - the home town.

In addition, some seats in the south and back stands have also been renewed.

YODOKO Sakura Stadium, a stadium where you can now enjoy sports games in your own style and comfort.

The stadium will continue to be loved by the local community and supporters.

Facility Overview

YODOKO Sakura Stadium is a ball game-specific stadium that was opened in 1987 as "Nagai Ball Stadium" in Nagai Park, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City. Today, in addition to soccer, there are rugby and American football games played here throughout the year.

The stadium has undergone two renovations and was renovated for the third time when it became the home stadium of J-League club Cerezo Osaka.

The interior of the new main stand contains a well-equipped training facility, locker rooms, multiple meeting rooms, VIP rooms, and even a business lounge.

On days with no matches, the facility actively hosts non-sports events. It also functions as a disaster prevention center and is expected to become a core facility for community revitalization.

Project Summary

Location: Osaka City, Osaka Map

Client: Fundraising organization for Sakura Stadium construction / Cerezo Osaka Sports Club

Design: IAO Takeda Sekkei Inc. / Takenaka Corporation

Renewed: Apr, 2021

Capacity: 24,665
(24,074 seats)

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