Atsubetsu Stadium – stadium description

The multi-use stadium in south-east Sapporo was opened in 1986. Its early years saw only one grandstand operating (west), while remaining sides were green terraces. However, when a major tenant arrived (Consadole, 1994), it began growing with more permanent seating on other sides.

With J League requirements changing, floodlights had to be installed, but… never were. Instead of permanent lighting masts four cranes are used to lift the lamps when needed.

Atsubetsu has a special place in the hearts of Consadole fans. During first two seasons here the team was unbeaten and won 21 times, all this despite hardly being a powerhouse of Japanese football. This earned the stadium its “Holy Land” nickname.

Over the years magic began losing to infrastructural requirements, though. Atsubetsu is still a part of Consadole’s every season, but only as few as two games were played per year in this location as the team moved most fixtures to Sapporo Dome.