The Saitama Super Arena, a prominent venue for sports and music events, will close for up to 1.5 years starting January 13 to undergo major renovations. This represents the arena's first long-term shutdown since its opening in 2000. The work targets aging facilities, including the sound system, elevators, and escalators.
Located in Chuo Ward, Saitama City, the Saitama Super Arena serves as a prefectural multi-purpose facility capable of accommodating up to 37,000 people for various events. On January 13, Saitama Prefecture announced the start of major renovation work at the arena, which will last up to 1.5 years. The project focuses on updating outdated installations to enhance the venue's functionality.
This closure marks the first extended shutdown for the arena since it opened in 2000. The prefecture has allocated ¥13.9 billion for the renovations, covering improvements to the sound system, elevators, and escalators. These upgrades aim to improve safety and user experience in the long term.
While the main arena will be inaccessible, the exhibition hall for smaller events and the adjacent Keyaki Hiroba area will remain open, helping to mitigate disruptions. The venue has hosted numerous concerts and sports competitions over the years, drawing large crowds. Officials expect the renovations to revitalize the facility for future use.
Prefecture representatives described the work as an essential investment for sustained operations, urging public understanding and support.