Athletic Ground

Paloma Mizuho Stadium is not a modern glass-fronted arena; it has the heavy, utilitarian feel of a mid-century multi-purpose ground.

Surrounding the grass are rows of orange and blue seats, not uniform, suggesting additions or repairs over the years. A large electronic screen hangs above one end, showing images to the crowd, while floodlight towers stand tall against the sky like sentinels. The stands curve gently, bringing the spectators close to the action, though the atmosphere is dictated by the open space and the sky above.

What distinguishes this ground is the track. It is a reminder that this is not solely a football stadium but a venue for athletics as well. The presence of the track changes the geometry of the stands, pulling them further out from the pitch. The orange seats in one section contrast sharply with the blue in another, perhaps indicating different tiers or sections that have been repainted at different times. The concrete structure shows no attempt at concealment; the beams and slabs are part of the aesthetic. It is a place where the sun beats down on the track and the rain falls straight onto the grass, with little shelter from the elements in the uncovered sections.