Kanseki Stadium Tochigi (Tochigi Prefectural Sports Park Athletic Field)

Jan. 31,2023

Outdoor Stadium

Project Description

Kanseki Stadium Tochigi opened in August 2020

For about 7 years, the Sports Park in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, was developing a comprehensive sports zone in preparation for the 77th National Sports Festival to be held in 2022. One of the Park's main facilities is the 25,000-seat Tochigi Prefectural Sports Park Athletic Field. A local company which was the stadium's naming rights partner gave it the title "Kanseki Stadium Tochigi".

Better view with stadium seats lining the steeply sloped seating area

The two-tiered seating creates a sense of unity between athletes and spectators. A slope of 35 degrees was set up to provide a better view of the competition, and approximately 70% of the seats were lined up in the main and back stands. Tochigi Soccer Club's team color, yellow is used for the seats. Randomly-placed two-shaded gray seats accentuate the light-and-dark-shaded yellow seats.

Most of the seats in the stadium are the standard stadium seats, the BLM series seats. It is a popular product in the Kotobuki Seating line. Blow-molded high-density polyethylene is used for its durability against shocks, and wind and rain. The hollow structure inside the chair - double shell - makes the chair soft and cozy. Thanks to this, you can enjoy sports events for longer durations without the slightest discomfort.

For the general seats, BLM-1500 has standard type seats on the lower level (the first tier of audience seats) and high-back type seats on the middle and upper levels (the second tier of audience seats). There are cup holders on the back of each seat for easy use.

Varied seating options: From pair seats to "strawberry" seats

A section of the area behind the lower general seating area is lined with 96 pairs of identical seats. Each paired section has a table with cup holders between the seats and armrests on the outer sides, giving a sense of privacy. The connecting bars under the seats are also separated for each seat pair, preventing vibrations from spreading to adjacent paired seats. There is a press seating area at the back of the lower level with long tables convenient for computer use and writing, group seating with benches surrounding tables, and 128 seats for wheelchair users. Two-piece BLM seats acting as assistance seats are also furnished at the end of the wheelchair seats. When not in use, these seats fold compactly, making it helpful for wheelchair users as well as caregivers.

The upper level has a playful design with party and lounging areas, and some of the general seats on the back stand partially colored red to display the name "Tochigi" and the prefecture's specialty, strawberries.

Special seating at the top of the Main Stand

There are 35 lounge seats and 50 VIP seats above the general seating in the main stand.

BLM-8020 series seats having blow-molded backs with padding for added comfort are used as lounge seats. You can use the lounge area together as a set with the private glass-walled room located behind the seats. Compact two-piece seats are installed in the limited space on the top floor which has a nice view of the surroundings. The spacious back and seat make for a comfortable seating experience.

VSS-031 seats, having an even wider back are used in the VIP seating area. The ergonomically shaped three-dimensional backrest creates a comfortable seating position, even during prolonged games.

Facility Overview

In August 2020, the new Tochigi Prefectural Sports Park Athletic Field (Kanseki Stadium Tochigi) opened in the northern area of Tochigi Prefecture Sports Park. The idea behind its opening was to create "a base for the promotion of sports, that residents of the prefecture will love and cherish". The facility includes an all-weather paved nine-lane track that has been certified as Class 1 by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF), lighting for nighttime events, and large-screen video equipment that is perfect for both athletes and spectators. Prefectural materials and traditional handicrafts are used throughout the facility to express the uniqueness of Tochigi Prefecture. Tochigi Prefecture Sports Park hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the 77th National Sports Festival in 2022.