EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima is the new football-specific home of Sanfrecce Hiroshima, built in the center of the city as a modern and accessible sports venue. Replacing the older Hiroshima Big Arch, this stadium provides a dedicated football environment and stands as one of the most significant recent sports developments in Japan. EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima combines a symbolic architectural identity with improved access, fan facilities and a central urban location.
Stadium Details
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima |
| Capacity | 28,520 |
| Country | Japan |
| City | Hiroshima |
| Home Club | Sanfrecce Hiroshima |
| Inauguration | 1 February 2024 |
| Construction | 2022–2024 |
| Cost | JPY 25.7 billion ($173.6 million) |
| Contractor | Consortium led by Taisei Corporation |
| Location | Central Park, Hiroshima |
| Purpose | Football-specific stadium |
Origins of the Project
The idea for a new stadium for Sanfrecce Hiroshima emerged more than two decades ago. Despite the opening of Hiroshima Big Arch in 1992, discussions about a football-specific venue surfaced in the early 2000s. In 2003, Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba publicly supported the concept, though no immediate progress followed.
Momentum returned after Sanfrecce Hiroshima achieved major success with J.League championships in 2012, 2013 and 2015. In 2013, a petition signed by over 370,000 supporters was presented to local authorities, signalling strong public demand for a modern stadium.
After evaluating multiple sites, an agreement was reached in February 2019 to build the new stadium in Central Park, adjacent to Hiroshima Castle and Hiroshima Green Arena. The location offers significantly improved access compared to the suburban Big Arch.
Construction and Development
Preparatory work began in 2020, followed by the selection of a construction consortium led by Taisei Corporation in March 2021. Full construction launched on February 1, 2022, and progressed steadily until completion before the 2024 season.
The total project cost reached approximately 25.7 billion yen. While the stadium was built by the city, Sanfrecce Hiroshima established an operating company that pays fees to local authorities to manage the venue. The result is a purpose-built facility designed to serve both the club and the surrounding community.
Inauguration and Naming Rights
EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima was officially inaugurated on February 1, 2024, with a ceremony marking the completion of construction. The first match took place on February 10 in a friendly against Gamba Osaka, followed by the first league match on February 23, when Sanfrecce defeated Urawa Red Diamonds 2–0.
The stadium was originally referred to as Hiroshima Peace Stadium during planning. However, in June 2023, electronics retailer EDION secured naming rights. The company had previously sponsored Sanfrecce’s former venue, continuing its long association with Hiroshima sports.
Architectural Features and Fan Experience
The design of EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima stands in contrast to its predecessor. Unlike the multi-purpose Big Arch with its athletics track, the new stadium adopts a football-specific layout with stands placed much closer to the pitch.
The main and opposite stands are divided into two large tiers with an intermediate band of seating. Behind the south goal, a high single-tier stand hosts the most passionate supporters. The total capacity is 28,520, creating an intimate atmosphere ideal for football.
The distinctive roof design serves as the architectural highlight. Shaped with sweeping parabolic curves, it leaves corner openings on the south side and a central depression on the north, symbolising the “wings of hope.” Under the roof hang two large video screens, a full sound system and integrated floodlighting.
The stadium offers VIP boxes, hospitality areas, restaurants, shops, and extensive public amenities. A football museum forms part of the facility, and a Captain Tsubasa mural adds a cultural touchpoint for fans. A large pedestrian bridge connects the stadium to nearby urban areas, and the eastern grounds remain open for public recreation.
A New Era for Football in Hiroshima
EDION Peace Wing Hiroshima represents a major upgrade for football in the region. Placed at the heart of Hiroshima and designed for the matchday experience, it provides a modern home for Sanfrecce Hiroshima and an accessible gathering space for residents. Its architecture, symbolism, and central location make it a landmark addition to Japan’s evolving football landscape.
