Saitama Super Arena (GMO ARENA saitama): Capacity, Access & 2027 Reopening
Saitama Super Arena — renamed GMO ARENA saitama under a naming-rights deal effective April 2026 — is one of Japan's largest multipurpose arenas, seating up to about 37,000 in its biggest "stadium" configuration, one minute's walk from JR Saitama-Shintoshin Station. The venue is currently closed for large-scale renovation, from January 2026 through the end of March 2027, and is scheduled to reopen with the GMO SONIC 2027 music festival on April 3-4, 2027.
Capacity
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Stadium mode (largest, via moving-block system) | up to ~37,000 |
| Concerts (center-stage arena setup) | ~22,000 |
| Sports (basketball, volleyball, tennis, ice hockey, gymnastics, boxing, wrestling) | 19,000-22,500 |
| End-stage concert layouts | 12,500 or 16,000 |
| Community Arena (separate hall, e.g. futsal) | ~3,000 |
Opened in September 2000, the arena has drawn roughly 2.87 million visitors a year and over 60 million cumulatively (per GMO's own figures). It hosted basketball at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (played in 2021, behind closed doors due to the pandemic).
Currently closed for renovation (2026-01 to 2027-03)
As of writing, GMO ARENA saitama is in the middle of its first large-scale renovation since opening in 2000. GMO Internet Group's own press release states the closure runs January 2026 through the end of March 2027, with the arena reopening in April 2027. The first confirmed major event after reopening is GMO SONIC 2027, a large-scale music festival on April 3-4, 2027. Renovation work includes cashless payment upgrades, AI/robot tech trials and a new premium hospitality space. If you're planning a trip around a show here, check the official site for the current event calendar before booking — nothing is scheduled at the venue itself during the closure window.
Why "GMO ARENA saitama" now
GMO Internet Group signed a six-year naming-rights agreement running April 2026 to March 2032, reportedly worth about JPY 2.8 billion (roughly $17.5 million). It's the first corporate name the arena has carried since it opened — official communications and ticketing may use either "Saitama Super Arena" or "GMO ARENA saitama," so search for both.
Address
8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama, Saitama 330-0080 (〒330-0080 埼玉県さいたま市中央区新都心8).
Getting there
- JR Saitama-Shintoshin Station (Keihin-Tohoku Line, Utsunomiya Line, Takasaki Line) — about a 1-minute walk; the arena's 200-level concourse connects directly to the station
- Kita-Yono Station (JR Saikyo Line) — about a 7-minute walk
From Tokyo Station, JR Keihin-Tohoku or Utsunomiya/Takasaki Line trains reach Saitama-Shintoshin directly in about 30-40 minutes with no transfer required on most services.
FAQ
What is Saitama Super Arena's capacity? Up to about 37,000 in the largest "stadium" configuration; concerts typically run around 22,000.
Is Saitama Super Arena closed right now? Yes — closed for renovation from January 2026 through the end of March 2027, reopening with GMO SONIC 2027 on April 3-4, 2027.
Why is it now called GMO ARENA saitama? A six-year naming-rights deal with GMO Internet Group took effect April 2026 — the venue's first corporate name since it opened in 2000.
What's the nearest station? JR Saitama-Shintoshin Station, about a 1-minute walk, directly connected to the arena.
Related venues
For touring shows in Tokyo and Yokohama while the arena is closed, see Ariake Arena and K-Arena Yokohama. For mid-size live houses, browse the Zepp live-house guide.
Official venue page: https://www.saitama-arena.co.jp/e/ · Naming-rights & renovation details: https://group.gmo/en/news/article/849/ (verified July 2026). Always check the official site before booking travel around a show.