Proposal for Resolving J.League Stadium Issues
How should we resolve the major issue of the stadium problem ?
A solution often suggested that could be called sophistry is the keyword “multi-purpose stadium”.
This term “multi-purpose stadium” does not include a soccer field. The soccer field would not be open for public use. It would exclusively be an area occupied by the J.League.
Also, soccer officials have reportedly stated that “soccer stadiums combined with shopping malls and medical facilities will become the mainstream going forward”. This is simply the J.League claiming that since they avoid to construct and maintain soccer stadiums themselves, soccer stadiums should be constructed as part of shopping malls and hospitals built by corporations or with tax money.
When we hear such statements, we are past anger and just dumbfounded by the J.League’s shameless audacity in still making such claims. However, the local governments accepting these rotten demands are also problematic.
From a balance sheet perspective, areas that would generate a deficit should not be constructed in the first place.
In other words, it would be sufficient to build only shopping malls and hospitals while developing parking lots in the stadium space.
Here is one solution.
”Supporters Stadium Condominium (Residential)”
This is the property for J.League supporters (fans) that places a stadium within the grounds of a condominium (residential complex).
The condominium (residential) portion will be purchased by supporters at a price that includes their allocated share of the stadium construction costs.
Then, the pricing for condominium maintenance fees and neighborhood association fees for the residences will also include the allocated share of stadium maintenance costs.
This makes supporters the 12th player in both name and reality, granting them a ‘sense of pride’ recognized by themselves and others. This also grants them a voice in the club team’s management.(although they hold no management rights as they are not shareholders.)
Of course, anyone who supports this system can purchase property, even if they are not a supporter.
For example, a sponsoring company could purchase properties as employee dormitories.
Club teams must purchase an office space (in the lower floors of the condominium or within the grounds) as their own office.
Similar to condominium (residential) properties, the pricing includes an allocated share of the stadium construction costs.
The maintenance fees will also be similar to those for condominium (residential) properties.
However, the allocated share ratio should be set higher than for condominium (residential) properties.
Additionally, commercial facilities such as sports gyms and restaurants (including stadium-based eateries) can be operated within the grounds.
The purchase price and the maintenance fees for these facilities will also include the allocated share for stadium construction and maintenance costs.
The key point about this property is that the stadium is not owned by the club team.
The stadium’s owners are the purchasers of the this “Supporters’ Stadium condominiums (residential)” who are the club team, purchasers of the condominiums (residential), and the owners of commercial facilities within the grounds.
These owners will establish an “Owners’ Association” to manage the stadium’s revenue, maintenance, and other operations.
It would be possible to incorporate this “Owners’ Association” itself, but considering costs, the same format used for condominium management would also be acceptable.
Managing the stadium’s revenue (such as usage fees and naming rights fees) and maintenance by the “Owners’ Association” should enable efficient stadium operations.
Of course, the usage fees paid by the club team should also be determined by the Owners’ Association.Also, holding regular events like BBQ gatherings with players on the premises might be a good idea.
And it can be used for stadium maintenance and other purposes by collecting participation fees and other charges from those participants.
If profits are generated from stadium revenue, they can be distributed according to each owner’s share in the Owners’ Association.
This approach might encourage various ideas regarding stadium operations.
This Supporters’ Stadium condominium (residential) will be a substantial large-scale project due to its stadium.
Unlike the previously empty theoretical economic benefits, this project will generate actual economic benefits by contributing to the local tax base through residents who will live in the area.
If this is successfully realized, residents will not only gain a sense of pride and ownership in supporting their beloved club team themselves, but as a community-focused initiative, it will also make it easier to secure cooperation from local governments regarding the surrounding environment and other matters.
Reference: Kaisha SHIKIHO [Japan Company Handbook] ONLINE “Influential Chairman Nonomura’s blueprint for a ‘profitable J.League’: The key is the creation of a ’20 billion yen club“ (2024/08/15)
https://shikiho.toyokeizai.net/news/0/774109
Reference: The Nikkei “The Value of ‘J’: The Road to Redefinition: Mitsuru Murai, Former J. League Chairman, Reflecting on 30 Years of the J. League (4)” (2024/08/15)
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQODH0837M0Y3A500C2000000
Thanks.