The 2025 J. League YBC Levain Cup is set to kick off with the first round's exciting first leg match between AC Nagano Parceiro and Tokyo Verdy, taking place on March 20, 2025, at 14:00 at Nagano U Stadium. This event marks the beginning of the season for fans and players alike, bringing energy, anticipation, and plenty of activities to enjoy.
Families are encouraged to attend, as the match will feature numerous events catered especially for children. A standout attraction will be the distribution of original acrylic stands featuring the mascots of J. League clubs. According to the organizers, elementary school students can collect these goodies by attending the match. This initiative aims to engage younger fans and make the experience more memorable.
For those wishing to take part in this exciting event, the acrylic stands will be available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Omoide no Oka. Aside from the mascot collectibles, children can also join the “Kids’ Eleven,” which is open to adults as well, to compete for high scores and receive treats from Yamazaki Biscuits. This is sure to be fun for families and adds to the day's festivities.
There is even more for the younger crowd, as the event will offer opportunities to enroll on-site for the Supporters Club. Children can join and have the chance to participate in the Escort Kids event, where they walk onto the field with the players—an unforgettable experience for any young soccer fan. Sign-ups for this exciting opportunity will start at 10:00 AM and will remain open until the quota of 11 participants is met.
A local delicacy will also be on offer during the event. Attendees can purchase Nagano’s famous ‘oyaki’—a traditional bun filled with various delicious ingredients. There will be 300 pieces available, sold at 200 yen each from 11:00 AM, sure to appeal to both kids and adults. Given the limited supply, fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure their tasty treat.
On the broadcasting side, soccer enthusiasts who cannot attend the match at Nagano U Stadium will have various viewing options. SPOOX, the official streaming service, is promoting its coverage with a special offer: viewers can enjoy 1,000 yen off the viewing fee until March 31, 2025. This service promises to broadcast all matches of the 2025 J. League YBC Levain Cup up to the semi-finals, ensuring viewers won’t miss any of the action.
For those preferring traditional television, SkyPer! Soccer Set is another excellent option. This package includes coverage of all Levain Cup matches up to the semi-finals, Bundesliga matches, and select Emperor’s Cup matches, starting at zero cost for the joining month. It provides flexibility for fans who want to catch all the action from the comfort of their homes.
Amazon Prime Video will also be streaming the matches live, allowing easy access for viewers who want to watch without the hassle of additional subscriptions. Special promotions are offered to streamline the viewing process, making it more convenient than ever for fans across Japan.
Speaking about the upcoming match, head coach of AC Nagano Parceiro, Fujimoto Kasuga, expressed, "It feels more like facing ourselves than facing Verdy. The previous league match against Matsumoto was postponed, and we’re adjusting our schedules accordingly. We know this can be challenging, but we're simply going to do our best." His remarks reflect the team's focus and determination as they prepare for the match, emphasizing their commitment to overcoming any adversity.
With the combination of thrilling soccer, family-friendly events, and great viewing options, the 2025 J. League YBC Levain Cup first round promises to be not only competitive but also memorable for attendees and viewers alike. Not only will fans witness top-tier soccer action, but they will also engage with their community and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the event. Everyone is invited to come out, support their favorite team, and enjoy everything the day has to offer.
Make sure to circle March 20, 2025, on your calendar and join AC Nagano Parceiro as they take on Tokyo Verdy, cheer for your team, and make the most of the festivities planned at Nagano U Stadium!
