PEACE STADIUM Connected by SoftBank is a state-of-the-art football stadium in Nagasaki, Japan. Officially inaugurated in October 2024, it serves as the home ground for J2 League club V-Varen Nagasaki. The stadium is a part of the larger Nagasaki Stadium City complex, which also includes a hotel, shopping mall, and a sports hall, offering a wide array of amenities for both sports fans and visitors.
Stadium Details
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | PEACE STADIUM Connected by SoftBank |
| Capacity | 20,027 |
| Country | Japan |
| City | Nagasaki |
| Home Club | V-Varen Nagasaki |
| Inauguration | October 14, 2024 |
| Location | Urakami River, Nagasaki, Japan |
| Surface | Grass |
| Owner | Japanet Holdings |
| Operator | V-Varen Nagasaki Co. |
Stadium Design and Features
PEACE STADIUM Connected by SoftBank features a sleek and modern design, blending traditional Japanese architectural elements with cutting-edge technology. The rectangular football-specific layout ensures that fans are seated close to the pitch, with the closest seats just five meters away from the field. The seating is divided into two tiers, with the lower tier providing the best atmosphere for intense fan support, especially from the vocal V-Varen Nagasaki fanbase.
The roof is designed to provide maximum coverage for the stands while also allowing for optimal acoustics during matchdays. The roof is segmented into four parts, with the eastern section made from glass to enhance the view of the nearby hotel and the surrounding area. The southern section of the roof extends outwards, creating a covered passageway between the stadium and the shopping mall.
A standout feature of the stadium is the integration with a hotel building that towers over the east stand. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the pitch, allowing guests to experience the excitement of matchdays while enjoying the comfort of their rooms. The stadium also features two video screens at the corners of the stands, ensuring that fans can keep up with the action from any seat.
Stadium Complex – Nagasaki Stadium City
PEACE STADIUM is the centerpiece of Nagasaki Stadium City, a large-scale development that includes a variety of commercial and entertainment facilities. The stadium is adjacent to a sports hall named “HAPPINESS ARENA,” which is home to the Nagasaki Velsa basketball team. The sports hall has a maximum capacity of 6,000 spectators and features a retractable seating area to accommodate different events. The arena is equipped with a four-screen videoboard and is used for various events beyond football matches, including concerts and community gatherings.
The complex also features a zip line that runs above the stadium, offering a unique and thrilling experience for visitors on non-event days. The zip line stretches from the office building to the shopping mall, offering panoramic views of the stadium and its surroundings.
Naming Rights and Sponsorship
In December 2022, a partnership with ICT company SoftBank led to the sale of the stadium’s naming rights, resulting in the current name, PEACE STADIUM Connected by SoftBank. The name reflects the company’s commitment to promoting peace and community engagement through sport. SoftBank’s sponsorship has provided vital support for the stadium’s construction and operation, ensuring that the venue remains a top-tier facility for both local and international events.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Located near the historic “ground zero” of Nagasaki, PEACE STADIUM holds symbolic significance as a beacon of hope and resilience. The stadium’s location, just 1.5 kilometers from the site of the 1945 atomic bombing, adds an emotional layer to the venue, making it more than just a sports facility. The design of the stadium and its surroundings serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, both within the community and beyond.
The inauguration of PEACE STADIUM marks a new chapter for V-Varen Nagasaki, a club that has experienced significant growth since its promotion to the J1 League in 2017. The stadium’s world-class facilities and strategic location are set to elevate the club’s profile both domestically and internationally.
Future Prospects
PEACE STADIUM Connected by SoftBank is not just a home for V-Varen Nagasaki; it is a symbol of the future of sports infrastructure in Japan. The stadium is designed to host a variety of events beyond football, including rugby, concerts, and even international sports tournaments. With its innovative design, sustainable features, and connection to the local community, PEACE STADIUM is set to become a landmark venue in Nagasaki and a major attraction for both sports fans and visitors to the region.
