Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium or sometimes Banpaku Stadium is an multi-purpose sports arena located in the grounds of Expo Commemoration Park which was the site of Expo ’70 which was a World’s Fair, and the first in Japan. J.League side Gamba Osaka FC currently use the site as their home stadium.
Gamba Osaka Stadium Guide
Stadium Facts
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Team: | Gamba Osaka |
| Opened: | 1972 |
| Capacity: | 21,000 |
| Address: | Suita, Osaka |
Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium History
Contrary to what the name might suggest about the date of construction, Osaka Expo ’70 stadium first opened in 1972, and is in fact named after its location within the Expo Commemoration Park. Used predominantly for athletics since opening, it wasn’t until professional football in Japan was restructured in 1993 that Gamba Osaka became permanent residents.
When Osaka was selected one of 10 host cities for the 2002 World Cup there was some suggestion that The Expo stadium would be used for the tournament, however it was overlooked in favour of the much larger Nagai Stadium. With a capacity of just 21,000 it was deemed too small to satisfy Fifa’s stadium regulations, and even after an expansion in 2006 which resulted in the addition of 2,000 more seats it still would be inadequate for International matches.
To date the highest level of football hosted at the stadium has been matches of the AFC Champions League. In 2008 Gamba Osaka defeated Adelaide United to lift their first ever Asian Trophy. Qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup Championship which was held a few months later, Gamba Osaka finished third after defeating Pachuca, but losing out to Man United in the semi-finals.
As for the future of Osaka Expo Stadium, whilst it’s unlikely that it will demolished any time soon due to its multi-purpose design, its days as a football stadium appear to be numbered. Gamba Osaka are currently constructing a 40,000 capacity football ground known as Suita Stadium which is set to open towards the end of 2015.
View of Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium
Stand Photos
Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium consists of the following four stands: North, East, South and West.
Click the thumbnails above to enlarge an image of each stand and to read a more detailed description of each part of the Stadium.
Matchday Experience
Gamba Osaka Club Shop
Gamba Osaka Club Shop
How to get to Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium
Where is Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays at Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium?
Japanese side Gamba Osaka play their home matches at Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium.
What is the capacity of Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium?
As of 2024 Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium has an official seating capacity of 21,000 for Football matches.
When was Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium opened?
Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium officially opened in 1972 and is home to Gamba Osaka
Are there any Covid restrictions at the stadium?
Covid Restrictions may be in place when you visit Osaka Expo ’70 Stadium in 2024. Please visit the official website of Gamba Osaka for full information on changes due to the Coronavirus.
