Urawa Komaba Stadium is a historic athletic venue located in Saitama, Japan. Although it is primarily used for athletics, it has long been a key venue for football, especially as the spiritual home of Urawa Red Diamonds. The stadium’s compact layout and rich history have made it a cherished venue for the club’s lower-profile home matches between 2005 and 2007. Even though it is no longer the main stadium for the team, its legacy continues to resonate with Urawa fans.
Stadium Details
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Urawa Komaba Stadium |
| Capacity | 21,500 |
| Country | Japan |
| City | Urawa, Saitama |
| Home Club | Urawa Red Diamonds |
| Inauguration | 1967 |
| Renovations | 1993, 1995 |
| Location | 1-1-2 Komaba, Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama |
| Former Name | Saitama Urawa Komaba Stadium (Until 2012) |
Origins and Construction
Originally built in 1967, Urawa Komaba Stadium was constructed as a multi-purpose venue for athletics. For many years, it hosted a variety of sporting events, but its football legacy began in earnest with Urawa Red Diamonds. Over time, the stadium underwent several renovations, most notably in 1993 and 1995, to improve its facilities and seating capacity.
In May 2012, the stadium was rebranded as Urawa Komaba Stadium, reflecting its strong ties with Urawa Red Diamonds and its place in the club’s history.
Usage by Urawa Red Diamonds
For several years, Urawa Red Diamonds used Urawa Komaba Stadium for their lower-profile home fixtures. From 2005 to 2007, when the Reds were in the midst of stadium redevelopment and expansion at their main ground, this smaller venue became the club’s temporary home for J.League matches. Despite its size, the stadium has a rich footballing atmosphere, which is amplified by the passionate local fanbase.
Interestingly, the stadium also hosted many matches for Urawa’s local rivals, Omiya Ardija, during the expansion of Ōmiya Park Soccer Stadium.
Urawa Komaba Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Urawa Red Diamonds supporters, not just for its function as a venue, but for its status as the team’s “spiritual home,” a place where fans could connect with the club’s roots and early history.
Legacy and Current Use
While Urawa Red Diamonds no longer play their main matches at Komaba Stadium, it remains an iconic symbol of the club’s journey. The compact design, the raucous atmosphere created by the fans, and the stadium’s location in Saitama make it a treasured landmark in the history of Japanese football.
Today, the stadium is primarily used for athletics, continuing its original function as a multi-purpose sports venue. However, it remains an important venue for football fans, especially Urawa’s loyal supporters who regard the stadium as a reminder of their club’s early years and enduring legacy.
Location and Access
Urawa Komaba Stadium is conveniently located in Urawa-ku, Saitama, with easy access to public transportation. The stadium is approximately a 20-minute walk from JR East Urawa Station and Kita-Urawa Station on the Keihin-Tohoku Line, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
