Denka Big Swan Stadium, Soccer stadium in Chūō-ku, Niigata, Japan
Denka Big Swan Stadium is a soccer venue in Chūō-ku in Niigata, Japan, with seating for more than 42,000 spectators. The facility features a two-level structure with a natural grass playing surface and a large roof that covers most seating areas.
Planned first as a 30,000-seat main venue for the 2009 National Sports Festival, the stadium was redesigned to a 40,000-seat capacity after Niigata was chosen to host 2002 FIFA World Cup matches. Construction began in 1997 and the main stand opened in 2001; a 400-meter track was added in 2003. During the 2002 World Cup it hosted three matches, including Ireland vs. Cameroon, Japan's opening match of the tournament.
The nickname Big Swan was chosen by public competition, inspired by the swans that fly to the adjacent Lake Toyano and by the shape of the stadium roof. Albirex Niigata supporters simply call the ground "Swan", and the club mascot Albirex-kun's wife is named Swan-chan after it. Locals also refer to it as Seigoro, from the site's place name.
The stadium is served by the Big Swan-mae bus stop, a one-minute walk away; Niigata Kotsu lines S70, S71 and S72 run there from the south exit of Niigata Station. The site lies within Niigata Prefectural Sports Park by Lake Toyano.
The venue features a distinctive roof made of steel framework and Teflon membrane that shelters nearly all seating areas from weather. The facility also includes a certified 400-meter track used for track and field competitions.
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