KYUSHU TRAVEL DIARYREVIEW KYUSHU TRIPS WE HAVE VISITED

This stadium is now called  “The Oita Bank Dome.” Built about fifteen years ago, it was Kyushu’s only venue for the 2002 Soccer World Cup. The field and stands can seat 40,000 people. That’s a big facility by any standard, considering that world-famous Yankee Stadium holds about 54,000.The stadium is so big that nearly a tenth of Oita City’s entire population can fit inside! In 2019, Oita Bank Dome will be the venue for 9th Rugby World Cup as well.

 

Designed to accommodate more than just sports, the Dome also hosts concerts and assemblies. The shape of the stadium is spherical; part of it touches the ground so when seen from afar it blends in well with the surrounding mountains. Its retractable roof appears spherical when both opened and closed. I was able to see the Dome while opened, and was impressed with how large it was.  The surrounding parking area was huge, another rare sight in a country that is so mountainous and where space is at a premium.