Kashima Antlers Aims for a Future Where They Can Be Supported in Kashima for the Next 100 Years. Releases "Home Game Attendee Travel Report" Visualizing Environmental Impact of Fan and Supporter Travel

Kashima Antlers announces the release of the "Home Game Attendee Travel Report (Meiji Yasuda J1 Hyakunen Koso League Edition)" in cooperation with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, as part of its sustainability policy "Always the Same Dream ~With Antlers, For Sustainability~" and its key theme of "Travel with Less Environmental Impact."

*Attendee Travel Trajectories: To protect privacy, data has been processed through anonymization and mesh aggregation to ensure individuals cannot be identified.

This survey (Scope: All 9 home games of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Hyakunen Koso League held from February to May 2026, excluding playoff rounds) revealed that over half of attendees travel from outside the prefecture, with an average total travel distance of 123.8 km and an average one-way travel time of approximately 4 hours (243.2 minutes). Furthermore, with 81.3% of attendees using automobiles, the total CO2 emissions from travel for the 9 targeted matches reached 5,182.8 tons, equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by 55 cedar forests the size of Mercari Stadium in one year.

We sincerely acknowledge the reality that the club's characteristic of being supported by passionate supporters who undertake long-distance travel for home game観戦 (watching games) simultaneously creates a significant environmental burden. Through the release of this report and the setting of concrete future goals, we aim to create a "sustainable spectating style" together with all of you.

Background of Report Formulation

Mercari Stadium has limited public transportation options, presenting the practical challenge of "inaccessible location requiring reliance on cars." This report is not intended to negate your current travel styles but was created to sincerely accept this reality and, together, consider "how stadium access can be made sustainable" and to build a "future where we can continue to support from this land of Kashima for the next 100 years."

Key Topics from Survey Results

Attendee Residential Areas and Travel Behavior

While attendees from Ibaraki Prefecture account for only 37.6%, over half of the audience comes from wider areas, including Tokyo (15.9%) and Chiba Prefecture (15.0%). Additionally, approximately 40% (40.7%) of attendees arrived at the stadium by the time general admission began, 3 hours before kickoff, indicating a tendency to enjoy extended stays from before the match.

Transportation Mode Usage

Automobiles account for the majority (81.3%) of travel. However, for access from outside Ibaraki Prefecture, about 15% (15.1%) use public transportation, with highway bus usage being particularly active from the Tokyo direction.

Breakdown of CO2 Emissions from Travel

Of the total 5,182.8 tons of CO2 emissions from the 9 targeted matches, 96.2% (4,987.7 tons) were from private vehicle travel (including taxis, motorcycles, etc.), highlighting the current situation where automobile usage rates and long travel distances directly correlate with environmental impact (emissions from buses were 112.2 tons, and from trains were 82.9 tons).

Track Record of CO2 Reduction Measures in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Hyakunen Koso League

Antlers is launching new initiatives from the Meiji Yasuda J1 Hyakunen Koso League, aiming to balance "reducing environmental impact" with "comfortable access."

Operation of a Special Park & Ride Train Utilizing the Freight-Only "Kamisu Station" On May 6th, for the match against Mito Hollyhock, a special train was operated directly from "Kamisu Station," which is normally for freight only, to "Kashima Soccer Stadium Station," the closest station to Mercari Stadium. This was aimed at alleviating traffic congestion on surrounding roads and shifting travel modes from private cars to railways (modal shift).

Approximately 200 people utilized this as a "new spectating style" that allows for sustainable action while enjoying the unique experience of boarding from a freight station, achieving a total CO2 emission reduction of 773.3 kg.

Promotion of Stadium Direct Bus Usage

In cooperation with Kantetsu Kanko Bus, we strengthened promotional measures, leading to an increase in users of buses departing from and arriving within the prefecture.

This resulted in a CO2 emission reduction of 1,594.0 kg.

Provided by: Kantetsu Kanko Bus

How to View the Report

Details of this report can be viewed via the link below. Click here for the Home Game Attendee Travel Report (Meiji Yasuda J1 Hyakunen Koso League Edition)

Goals for the 2026/27 Season and a Request for "Sustainable Choices"

In the 2026/27 season, Antlers will implement stronger environmental impact reduction measures, such as promoting park & ride using railways and buses, and encouraging the use of carpooling services.

To protect an environment where future generations can enjoy football with peace of mind, we kindly ask you to consider the following "small efforts" based on your spectating style when you visit:

For those coming from nearby areas

On days with good weather, please actively consider cycling, walking, or taking the bus.

For those coming by car

We ask for your cooperation in reducing the number of vehicles by carpooling with fellow supporters.

For those who can use public transportation

We kindly request your active use of stadium direct buses and railways. Your usage directly contributes to the maintenance and increased frequency of these routes.

Each individual's travel choice has the power to protect the future of Antlers and the beautiful environment of our home town. To continue "Always the Same Dream," we ask for your understanding and cooperation.