Stadiums in Japan: Matsumoto "Arwin" Stadium

Matsumoto Stadium is one of several very high-quality facilities in Japan that does not currently host a J.League team, though the facility is used by a number of teams -- particularly JEF United, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Niigata Albirex and Ventforet Kofu -- to hold an occasional "home-away-from-home" match. The city of Matsumoto does have several regional league teams, such as Matsumoto Yamaga SC, Nagano Elza and Antelope FC, which hold matches at the stadium and could win promotion to the JFL in the near future. The stadium is a beautiful venue, built exclusively for football matches, and with stands build very close to the pitch for a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The stadium has 16,000 seats and benches in the end zones that can accomodate slightly over 4,000, for a total capacity exceeding 20,000.

Matsumoto is a relatively small city, located in the mountains to the northwest of Tokyo. It is an extremely scenic location, and the cool, fresh air and view from the stadium make it a very popular location for training camps held by some J.League teams during the summer months. During the 2002 World Cup, Paraguay established its home base at Matsumoto Stadium. The Paraguayan national team was embraced warmly by the local fans, and the charisma and kindness of players such as Jose Luis Chilavert and Francisco Arce ignited a burst of enthusiasm for football in the prefecture. Hopefully one of the local teams can advance to the J.League in the near future, putting this magnificent stadium to the use it deserves.

Access Map Click to enlarge

Matsumoto Stadium

Location:Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture		Capacity: 20,000+
Home Team(s): Matsumoto Yamaga, Nagano Elsa, Antelope FC, etc		Completed: 1999

Pictures of Matsumoto Stadium

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