EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima – stadium description

How did the plans for the new stadium for Sanfrecce Hiroshima come about?

The architectural concept for the new stadium for Sanfrecce Hiroshima can be seen on a separate subpage

Although a new, large stadium (the so-called Hiroshima Big Arch) was opened in Hiroshima in 1992, ideas for a new, soccer-specific venue had already been floated in the early 2000s. In February 2003, the construction of such a stadium was promised by Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba.

Initially nothing came of the plans, but the idea was revisited in the following years, and the subject came to life significantly during the period when Sanfrecce Hiroshima won three championship titles (2012, 2013 and 2015). In January 2013, a petition for a new stadium, signed by more than 370,000 people, was handed over to the city and prefectural authorities.

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 center of Hiroshima, next to the Hiroshima Green Arena and Hiroshima Castle, about 700m north of the Atomic Bomb Dome.

When was the new stadium for Sanfrecce Hiroshima built?

An account of the construction of the new stadium for Sanfrecce Hiroshima can be seen on a separate subpage

Preliminary preparatory work started as early as 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 was completed as planned, before the start of the 2024 season.

The facility was built by the city at a construction cost of approximately 25.7 billion yen. The stadium is managed by a company set up by Sanfrecce, which pays local authorities for the ability to operate it.

When was the new Sanfrecce Hiroshima stadium inaugurated?

The inauguration of the new stadium took place on February 1, 2024, with a ceremony marking the completion of the works the day before. The first match in the new stadium took place on February 10, 2024, when the hosts lost to Gamba Osaka 1–2 in a pre-season friendly, while the first league match was played on February 23, 2024 (Sanfrecce Hiroshima – Urawa Red Diamonds 2–0).

What was the name given to the new Sanfrecce Hiroshima stadium?

The facility was initially referred to as 'Hiroshima Peace Stadium'. However, even before the inauguration, in June 2023, the terms for the stadium's naming rights were agreed. The electronics retail chain EDION became the title sponsor (previously, for more than a decade, EDION was also the title sponsor of the previous Sanfrecce venue) and the stadium was named 'EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima'.

What makes the new Sanfrecce Hiroshima stadium different from its predecessor?

The new stadium is clearly different from the previous venue (Hiroshima Big Arch), where Sanfrecce had played their matches. The old stadium is a multi-purpose facility, with an athletics track, located in the north-western suburbs, unlike the new venue, which was built in the center of Hiroshima. Instead, it is noticeably larger than its successor (with a capacity of around 45,000 spectators).

What does EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima look like?

The stadium has a football-specific layout, with the pitch located on a north-south axis. The stands along the pitch are divided into two floors, with an additional narrow tier in between. The high, single-storey stand behind the south goal is for Sanfrecce's most ardent supporters. The capacity of the venue is 28,520 spectators.

The custom, parabolic roof, with indentations in the corners on the south side and a pronounced depression in the north section, symbolizes the 'wings of hope' and gives the facility its original form. Under the roof are two large screens as well as a sound system and floodlights. The seats in the stands are mostly purple, referring to the main color of Sanfrecce.

The facility has been 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. Part of the stadium is, among other things, a football museum. Visitors may also be interested in a mural featuring Captain Tsubasa on one of the walls inside the stadium.

The area adjacent to the stadium on the east side is to retain its recreational function and be accessible to all residents. The project also includes a wide pedestrian bridge running over the street to the south side.