V-Varen Nagasaki's 2025 season ticket sales have hit record levels, demonstrating the rising enthusiasm for J2 soccer among fans. The club has seen significant interest following its announcement of the season ticket prices, which have increased from the previous year, yet the first day of sales broke previous records, illustrating the strong demand.
To put things in perspective, this year's home games will be hosted at the newly opened Peace Stadium, completed just last October. This modern facility, located within Nagasaki Stadium City, not only offers comfortable seating for around 20,000 fans but also includes commercial facilities, making it attractive for visitors beyond just soccer events. Located just ten minutes on foot from JR Nagasaki Station, access is remarkably convenient, with tram and bus services also available.
The excitement surrounding the club has been amplified following the recruitment of prominent players, such as former Japan national team midfielder Yuya Yamaguchi from J1 champions Vissel Kobe. His addition is viewed as pivotal, enhancing the team's chances for promotion to J1.
According to V-Varen’s representatives, the combination of stadium improvements and the acquisition of high-profile players has been instrumental in driving ticket sales. "Our annual ticket sales have reached unprecedented levels, driven by the completion of Nagasaki Stadium City and the acquisition of big-name players," said one representative.
The previous season witnessed V-Varen Nagasaki finishing with significant offensive statistics, scoring the most goals (74) in the J2 league. The team showcased exceptional performances, particularly from their foreign players who collectively netted 55 goals. With these key players remaining and only minimal additions made to the attacking lineup, the expectation for the current season is substantially high.
"We want to exceed expectations and provide exciting events, inviting more fans to come," stated President Takada Akihto during his remarks at the victory prayer media event. The club is set on making the 2025 season an attractive one for both current and prospective supporters.
One of the notable features of the new stadium is the proximity of fan seating to the pitch, creating a lively atmosphere that's both exhilarating for players and engaging for supporters. The opening match of the season against Kumamoto is already showing signs of high attendance, with tickets nearly sold out.
Yamaguchi’s signing is seen as more than just a talent acquisition; his experience at the highest level and strong mentality are expected to be significant boosts for V-Varen as they navigate the season. Last year's pressure was evident during the J1 promotion playoffs, where the team fell short due to inability to handle the stress of the moment. Yamaguchi's depth of experience is hoped to provide the mental stronghold the players need to perform under pressure.
Mainly, the club management's focus this off-season has been on ensuring they have depth and quality across their squad. This includes retaining key international players and strengthening their center line with the likes of goalkeeper Goto Masaki and midfielder Yamaguchi, bringing a solid core to the team's foundation.
Looking at the upcoming season, the club’s ambition for direct promotion is clear. They narrowly missed out on automatic promotion last year, trailing by just one point. With the pressure of not only proving themselves after last season's efforts but also cementing their status among J2's elite, the importance of mental resilience cannot be understated.
V-Varen's potential has been rated as 'A' for both squad depth and promotion prospects. With continued efforts to turn draws from last season (12 total drawn games) and bolster their attack, fans are eager to see how the club performs this season.
Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the kickoff of the season, ready to see how V-Varen Nagasaki will translate their offseason investments and improvements on the pitch. All signs point to the possibility of this being their year to break through to J1, with fans rallying behind their team like never before.