Hiroshima Peace Stadium – design description

How did the plans for a new stadium for Sanfrecce Hiroshima originate?

Although a new, large stadium (the so-called Hiroshima Big Arch) was opened in Hiroshima in 1992, ideas for a new, football-specific facility had already been brought up in the early 2000s. In February 2003, the construction of such an arena was promised by Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba. Although nothing initially came of the plans, the idea was revisited in the following years, and the subject came to life considerably during the period when Sanfrecce Hiroshima won three championship titles (2012, 2013 and 2015).

Various locations around the city were considered for the stadium. On February 6 2019, a meeting took place between representatives of the club, the city, the prefecture and the chamber of commerce and industry, at which it was agreed that the facility would be built in Central Park. The designated site is in the centre of Hiroshima, next to the Hiroshima Green Arena and Hiroshima Castle, about 700m north of the Atomic Bomb Dome.

When will the new stadium for Sanfrecce Hiroshima be built?

For coverage of the construction of the new stadium for Sanfrecce Hiroshima, see separate subpage

Preliminary preparatory work has already started in 2020. On March 31, 2021, the main contractor (a consortium of eight entities led by Taisei Corporation) was selected and the actual construction of the stadium started on February 1, 2022. The work is expected to be completed in December 2023, so that the facility will be available from the start of the 2024 season. The construction cost is estimated at 27.1 billion yen.

What is the concept of the new stadium for Sanfrecce Hiroshima?

The stadium will have a football-specific layout, with the pitch located on a north-south axis. The stands along the pitch will be divided into two tiers, with an additional narrow tier in between. A high, single-storey stand behind the south goal will be dedicated to Sanfrecce's die-hard supporters. The capacity of the arena will be 30,000 spectators.

The custom, parabolic roof, with indentations in the corners on the south side and a pronounced depression in the north section, symbolises the 'wings of hope' and gives the arena its original form. Under the roof, there will be video screens and floodlights.

The venue will be equipped with VIP boxes and seats, catering facilities, as well as restaurants, shops and other commercial functions and amenities to make it an attractive place to visit even outside match days.

The area adjacent to the stadium to the east will retain its recreational function and will be accessible to all residents. The project involves the creation of footbridges over the adjacent streets and a small marina on the nearby Ōta river branch.