The construction of a new stadium for a professional soccer team, Gamba Osaka started on December 15 in Suita City, Osaka, holding the groundbreaking ceremony with 150 people attended followed by an event for local citizens who contributed to the fundraising. The six story new stadium of 66,335m2 total floor area is designed and built by Takenaka Corporation under the construction management by Yasui Architecture & Engineers, Inc. It is scheduled for completion in fall 2015.

Located in the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, “the Eco-Stadium” with 40,000 capacity will be equipped with photovoltaic panels on the roof covering all seats as well as disaster prevention facilities. It introduces the world’s first 3D Truss Structure for super light-weight seismic isolated roof. The new stadium will not be used only for Japan’s professional soccer games but also for international matches. (2013/12/17)