#SAS23 Guest Spotlight: Saitama Super Arena

Ahead of TheStadiumBusiness ASIA 2023, we caught up with Yutaka Minagawa, Director of Corporate Planning & Management at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

Minagawa has worked at the arena since it opened in 2000, and also served as general manager of the venue when it hosted basketball during the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Saitama Super Arena is one of the largest indoor venues in the world with a maximum capacity of 36,500. Over the years, the venue has hosted NBA, NHL, WWE and boxing events, as well as a string of concerts featuring the likes of Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, One Direction and more.

TheStadiumBusiness: What are the key current challenges and opportunities in the stadium marketplace?

Yutaka Minagawa: “The key challenges and opportunities are how we can understand the customer journey and how to improve the spectator experience.”

TSB: What are the most interesting trends you are witnessing in the stadium sector?

YM: “How to increase spectator food and beverage sales in the concert and live music business.”

TSB: What’s on the roadmap for Saitama Super Arena over the next six to 12 months?

YM: “The arena will be closed for renovation from January 2026. We will focus on creating a great renovation plan to make it a more attractive arena.”

TSB: What are you most looking forward to about TheStadiumBusiness ASIA?

YM: “The opportunity to network with people who are at the cutting edge of knowledge and expertise in the stadium and arena sector, both globally and in Asia.”

Join Yutaka and hundreds of sports and entertainment execs at The Wave in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong on 19-20 October as we explore the future of design, operations and technology for Asia’s sports and entertainment venues – only at TheStadiumBusiness ASIA 2023.