Tochigi Green Park Stadium
Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture
Considering the large number of J.League teams who play their matches in nondescript, featureless and sterile multipurpose stadiums -- some of them equipped to handle only 13-15,000 fans -- it is a shame that beautiful facilities such as Tochigi Green Stadium are so rare, and so out-of-the-way. Tochigi Stadium was once one of Japan's most remarkable and scenic stadiums, with a grassy ring circling three sides of the pitch in both end zones and much of the "back stand" area. The grassy bank of earth, landscaped into layers to provide a flat surface to sit, was a marvellous site for a picnic on sunny afternoons.
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Unfortunately, the J.League regulations on seating specifications forced the team to convert most of these grassy banks into terraces. Though the character of Tochigi Stadium has not been completely destroyed, it definitely is not as scenic as it was in the 1990s.
Tochigi Stadium is a football-only facility, that can seat well over 15,000. Although only a portion of the main stand is covered, the unique shape and arrangement of the roof makes this an architecturally pleasing venue as well as an efficient one. Built in 1993 and then refurbished with terraces in the late '00s, it is a modern and well-appointed facility, providing a spectacular venue for a rather unspectacular club -- Tochigi SC.
Access is a bit difficult, though there are shuttle bus links on match days from Utsunomiya station direct to the front gate of the stadium. It is much easier to access the stadium by automobile, with spacious parking available along Prefectural Route 408, just a short walk from the stadium. |
 Click to enlarge |
Tochigi Green Stadium
| Location: Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture |  |
Capacity: 15,060 |
| Home Team(s): Tochigi SC | Completed: 1993 |
