?? Vissel Kobe: Innovation Rooted in Resilience
Based in the dynamic city of Kobe, Vissel Kobe is not only a leading football club in Japan but also the operator of one of the most innovative stadiums in the country. Originally built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the stadium has been continuously modernised to enhance the fan experience and operational efficiency.
Among its standout features:
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A fully covered roof, enabling an all-weather experience.
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Japan’s first hybrid pitch, introduced in 2018, ensuring high-quality play year-round.
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Direct club management of the stadium – a rare model in Japan – giving Vissel Kobe greater control over matchday operations and commercial activities.
This model allows for fan-centric features like pitchside seating, bringing supporters closer to the game, and tailored event planning that reflects the club’s values.
Importantly, the stadium is built to meet Japan’s strict earthquake safety standards, a testament to the resilience of Kobe following the devastating 1995 earthquake. This blend of safety, innovation, and fan focus reflects the city’s enduring spirit.
“Vissel Kobe is always looking for best practices and inspiration to guide the future development of our stadium. ESSMA offers a strong source of knowledge and a global network to stay connected with the latest trends in stadium business – especially in Europe.”
– Takayuki Kikuchi, Deputy General Manager, Vissel Kobe
With expertise in earthquake-resistant design, integrated stadium management, and fan-first operations, Vissel Kobe brings fresh insights to the ESSMA network — and we look forward to growing together.
?? AFFA: Building a Football Nation
The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) plays a key role in nurturing the beautiful game in Azerbaijan – from grassroots and youth development to the national teams and infrastructure.
As the official governing body of football in the country, AFFA has overseen a number of major developments in recent years, including Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of matches during UEFA EURO 2020 at the Baku Olympic Stadium – a clear sign of its growing footprint in European football.
By joining ESSMA, AFFA is taking a significant step to align with best practices in stadium and venue management.
“By joining ESSMA, AFFA aims to strengthen its commitment to international best practices in stadium management, safety, and fan experience. This partnership allows us to exchange knowledge with leading European clubs and federations and further develop our infrastructure to meet the highest standards in football operations.”
— Fuad Jafarov, Infrastructure Director, AFFA
AFFA’s strategic vision is focused on not just infrastructure, but also on creating memorable and inclusive matchday experiences. Their involvement adds valuable regional perspective to ESSMA’s community of clubs, federations, and stadium operators.
A Shared Vision
From Japan to Azerbaijan, football unites us – and so does our commitment to improving the way we build, operate, and experience our stadiums. We’re proud to welcome Vissel Kobe and AFFA to the ESSMA family, and we’re excited for the insights, inspiration, and connections they bring.
Welcome aboard! ようこそ & Xoş gəlmisiniz!
